Community Gives Generously to BankRI Children’s Book Drive, Putting 8,000+ Free Books into the Hands of Local Children
Throughout the month of March, the community rallied around Bank Rhode Island’s (BankRI) annual Children’s Book Drive, leading to a significant donation of books to a local nonprofit. In total, 8,252 books were collected to benefit Books Are Wings and will support literacy programs the organization brings to schools, students, and the community.
BankRI Hires Kevin Chamberlain as Senior Vice President, Commercial Lender
Bank Rhode Island (BankRI) has bolstered its Commercial Banking Group, hiring longtime financial professional Kevin Chamberlain to the position of Senior Vice President, Commercial Lender. Chamberlain joined the Bank’s team in mid-March and works out of its Turks Head office in downtown Providence.
No-Cost Homebuyer Workshop to be Offered Virtually on April 10th
In today’s tight and competitive housing market, buyers stand to benefit from expert insights and a better understanding of the trends impacting the homebuying experience. Being offered at no cost to all who are interested, Bank Rhode Island (BankRI) and Pawtucket Central Falls Development (PCF Development) are teaming up to present a virtual workshop for potential homebuyers on April 10.
BankRI Galleries Present Thea Ernest – Turks Head Gallery
Thea Ernest has the aura and presence of a dear family friend or a valued aunt, not what most imagine the image of a lifelong artist and creative to be. But Ernest is just that. From her early childhood, Ernest was that kid always drawing in the school’s art room. Thea came to the Rhode Island School of Design in the 1980s to study jewelry and light metals and although she describes herself “as the most boring-looking person on the RISD campus,” Ernest is decidedly not boring in her approach to life and art.
BankRI Galleries Present Ben Watkins – North Kingstown Gallery
BankRI Galleries is pleased to present work by Rhode Island-based artist Ben Watkins. Born in Kentucky, Ben earned his BA from Murray University and his MFA from RISD. Tucked into a woodsy cul-de-sac in Lincoln, Rhode Island Ben works from a spacious studio workshop with reverent, methodical attention to his large-scale works that inhabit the space between art & design. Woven wood pieces in ash, walnut & oak, both wall hangings and partitions, also function as furniture.
BankRI Galleries Present Ben Watkins – Pitman Street Gallery
BankRI Galleries is pleased to present work by Rhode Island-based artist Ben Watkins at its Pitman Street Gallery March 7 through May 1, 2024. The gallery is located at 137 Pitman Street, Providence, R.I. 02906. Born in Kentucky, Ben earned his BA from Murray University, and his MFA from RISD. Ben works out of his studio in Lincoln, RI as a furniture designer and sculptor. Employing materials such as wood, plaster, gold leaf, and glass, Ben’s sculptures function as both art and design.
Statewide Children’s Book Drive Begins at all BankRI Branches
Coinciding with the start of National Reading Month, Bank Rhode Island (BankRI) today is kicking off its annual Children’s Book Drive at all 22 of its branches in the state. The collection will run the entire month of March, benefiting Books Are Wings and supporting the programs the organization makes available to schools and their students, and in the community.
BankRI Provides $7.1 Million to Refinance Historic Block Island Hotel, Fund Improvements
An historic, landmark hotel on Block Island is getting a number of renovations in advance of the 2024 tourism season. In late December, the Commercial Real Estate division of Bank Rhode Island (BankRI) closed on a $7.1 million loan to Two Tickets AI Holdings, LLC to refinance the prominent property and fund improvements.
Rhode Island Nonprofits Receive $101,500 in BankRI Grants
Bank Rhode Island (BankRI) has awarded $101,500 in charitable grants to nonprofits throughout the state. A total of 26 organizations have received funding, with the Bank placing a particular emphasis on increasing access to nutritious foods and supporting programs whose work focuses on early education and workforce development.
Holiday Giving Tree Collects 7,576 Gifts for Local Kids in Biggest Year Ever
Thanks to the generosity of Bank Rhode Island (BankRI) customers, staff and the community, the holiday season has been made brighter for underprivileged children across the Ocean State. The Bank’s Holiday Giving Tree program, which recently concluded, led to an incredible 7,576 donated gifts. It is the most gifts ever collected in the program’s 26-year history.
