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WaterFire gathering brings United Way of Rhode Island’s centennial celebration to Providence
United Way of Rhode Island marked 100 years with a community event at WaterFire Providence on Saturday, Oct. 17. The gathering featured nonprofit partners, vendors and live music, with the braziers lit around sunset.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — United Way of Rhode Island celebrated its 100th anniversary Saturday evening at WaterFire Providence, bringing community partners and visitors together for an event that organizers said honored the state and the nonprofit’s statewide work.
The celebration began at 4 p.m., and WaterFire’s braziers were lit around sunset, at about 6 p.m. The event included nonprofit partners, vendors and live music. Several tents were hosted by community organizations invited by United Way.
Kate Bramson, chair of WaterFire’s board of directors, said the arts organization was pleased to partner on the celebration, describing WaterFire as a community institution. She said the joint event gave both organizations and the public an opportunity to celebrate Rhode Island.
United Way of Rhode Island is headquartered in Providence and works across the state. The nonprofit says its mission is to unite communities and address inequity. The centennial gathering placed that work alongside local organizations and businesses in a public celebration downtown.