Child & Family announced today that the 5th Annual Townsend Luncheon, a benefit for its Housing Support Programs, held Wednesday, June 26, 2019 raised over $50,000. Donations were given through event sponsors, a “Fund the Mission” live auction, event ticket sales and through a generous matching gift from Diane and David Canepari with Gateway Properties, Inc. 

“Providing safe and secure housing for children and families in Rhode Island has always been a high priority for our agency. Working with families to overcome a myriad of complex issues and help guide them on the path to independence is not possible without a safe haven to call “home.” These Housing Support Programs allow individuals and families in crisis to benefit from the proven, evidence-based programs and services that Child & Family provides,” Marty Sinnott, President & CEO, Child & Family in a press release.

Child & Family employee, Christian Delacruz, spoke movingly about his experience within the child welfare system and how he was impacted while in Child & Family’s care. A program representative was seated at each of the 17 tables, enlightening the 134 guests about the committed work and success of Child & Family.

Child & Family says that they are grateful for event sponsors including TD Charitable Foundation, Centreville Bank Foundation, Warner Realty Group, BlueCross BlueShield of Rhode Island, Gil’s Appliances, Forty Two North Builders, Kelly Powers with Libby Kirwins Real Estate, OceanCliff Hotel & Resort, and centerpieces arrangements from Dahlia Shed as well as other community partners. 

Ryan Belmore is the Owner and Publisher of What'sUpNewp. Although not the founder or original owner, Belmore has been with What'sUpNewp since its early beginnings in 2012.

Belmore was born in Providence, Rhode Island; grew up and graduated high school in Coventry, Rhode Island; and lived in Newport, Rhode Island for more than ten years. He currently serves as Vice President of the Board Of Directors for Fort Adams Trust and on the Board of Directors for Potter League For Animals.

He and his wife, Jen, as well as their two dogs (Aero and June), recently moved to Alexandria, Virginia. Belmore travels back and forth to Newport every couple of weeks to cover events, work on story ideas, to meet with What'sUpNewp's on-the-ground contributors, to visit friends, and to eat as much seafood as possible.

Belmore is a member of Local Independent Online News Publishers, Society of Professional Journalists, and the North American Snowsports Journalists Association.