The Central Rhode Island JAYCEES welcomed a throng of families, friends, neighbors and guests to their 60th Anniversary Meet, Greet & Eat event for its Kent County Junior Chamber.

The JAYCEES set in motion a series of mini-projects throughout the calendar year from Earth Day and Arbor Day to Ecology Day and peace ceremonies, including the 9/11 observance, a Corporate Cares Day and coinciding with the nationwide volunteer events of National Public Lands Day and Make A Difference Day. The JAYCEES also do a host of holiday projects from Toys for Tots & Teens, Change Charities. And Candy Cane Exchange, group and veteran homes visitations to Christmas card writings and cooperative projects with other civic groups.

“We culminated this spectacular service learning year in organizing a neighborhood-style block party focusing on the six decades of outstanding public service management and non-profit development demonstrated throughout the region and across the state of Rhode Island,” said John J. “Jack” Lancellotta, executive director of the JAYCEE Education & Library Foundation.

The JAYCEES received accolades from the White House to the Rhode Island State House from Governor Chafee and Senate and House Resolutions, including current Treasurer and Governor- elect Gina Raimondo, Warwick Mayor Scott Avedesian, the West Warwick Town Council and well-wishes from Congressman Jim Langevin and U.S. Senator Jack Reed.

“It was wonderful to witness so many Rhode Island leaders acknowledging their admiration of the rich communal culture and historic community-wide heritage for such award-winning youth and young peoples’ project successes and mentoring programs over this extensive period of time,” Lancellotta said.

The JAYCEES community service birthday event rang true as a five-hour extravaganza of great food, warm associations and fun-filled exchanges with new acquaintances and old friends at the Millonzi’s Restaurant in centrally located West Warwick.

One of the presenters was Cranston Mayor Allan Fung, who brought a City Citation to congratulate the JAYCEES on their 60th Anniversary of outstanding community service.