Amica $75,000 challenge to help 3 agencies raise funds

Kelcy Dolan
Posted 2/10/15

For the third consecutive year, Amica Insurance is partnering with The Rhode Island Food Bank, United Way of Rhode Island and Crossroads Rhode Island for the Amica $75,000 Community Challenge. …

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Amica $75,000 challenge to help 3 agencies raise funds

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For the third consecutive year, Amica Insurance is partnering with The Rhode Island Food Bank, United Way of Rhode Island and Crossroads Rhode Island for the Amica $75,000 Community Challenge.

Through this challenge, Amica is encouraging the public as well as Rhode Island businesses to donate to any of the three charities by matching donations “dollar for dollar” up to $25,000 per charity through February 28.

On Feb. 5, representatives from the four organizations and two general officers gathered at the Rhode Island Community Food Bank in Providence for press conference kicking off the event.

Throughout the holiday season, a time of giving, many of the charities see steady donations, but during the winter they see a decline of donations.

Andrew Schiff, CEO of the Rhode Island Food Bank, said, “People still need our help, especially at this time of year more than ever. We needed something to inspire others to do the same, and that’s what this challenge does.”

Anne Nolan, president of Crossroads Rhode Island, said, “This morning the oil truck backed up to my house and gave me more oil to heat my beautiful home. It struck me just how incredibly lucky I am. We can take so much for granted without even meaning to.”

Tony Maione, president and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island, reminded everyone how unexpected hard times can be for a family, and that makes charities such as a the Food Bank Crossroads and United Way can be so crucial. He shared the story of one family that was helped by United Way. The husband had lost his job and then, on top of that, his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“They had been supporting themselves for so long,” Maione said. “Then all of a sudden there was a $1,300 utility bill they couldn’t afford. We were able to help them heat their home and remain in stable standing.”

He was assured that by the end of the month the $75,000 would be raised.

The hope is that by matching donations, the Amica $75,000 Community Challenge can reinvigorate the donations coming in to all three charities.

“We float on a sea of generosity,” Schiff said. “Everything we do is made possible by donations from generous Rhode Islanders and businesses.”

Amica isn’t only matching the donations from the general public but will also match those from other organizations, a move Lieutenant Governor Daniel McKee said gives other corporations a reason to “step up” in their own charitable donations. He even sees a possibility of this challenge raising more than the $75,000.

Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea said Amica is one of the “finest corporate citizens” before spotlighting Amica’s CEO, Robert DiMuccio, for all his hard work.

She said, “This support comes as no surprise because companies are helped and nurtured by their leaders and you have a great leader in Bob Dimuccio.”

When it came time for DiMuccio to speak he brought attention back to the charities and all the work they do throughout the state to help Rhode Island’s most vulnerable population. He explained that a $1 donation to the Food Bank could purchase three pounds of food. He said $30 to United Way can supply a week’s worth of heat during an average winter, and $60 to Crossroads can help a family get shelter and a nice night’s rest.

He said, “The snow and cold has taken a toll on everyone, but it has been especially hard for those less fortunate who have had to make difficult financial choices. They may have to choose between rent, heat and even food.”

He commended all three charities on the work they do to try and ease that burden for those suffering financially.

The Community Challenge goes until Feb. 28 and Amica will match every donation up to $75,000.

For more information on any of the organizations or to donate visit any of their websites, visit Amica at, www.amica.com, Rhode Island Food Bank at www.rifoodbank.org, Crossroads Rhode island at www.crossroadsri.org, or United Way of Rhode Island at www.uwri.org.

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