Speakers

My HomeCourt restores under resourced courts and turns them into colorful, living works of art in an effort to strengthen communities and inspires basketball players from of all ages and skill level. We provide a bright future for rundown courts in need of repair. Each My HomeCourt is a unique blend of sports and art, a vibrant safe gathering place and a source of pride for the neighborhood.

Kate M. McNamara is a curator, educator, and author based in Providence, RI. She is the founder and Executive Director of My HomeCourt, a nonprofit revitalizing city parks through collaborations with contemporary artists.

Kelly will speak on special fundraising events and the volunteer program at the Food Bank. She believes that no one should have to worry about where their next meal will come from.    

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank distributes food to people in need through a statewide network of 147 member agencies including food pantries, meal sites, shelter, youth programs and senior centers.  Currently, the Food Bank is serving 84,400 Rhode Islanders each month through our network of member agencies.  The Food Bank solicits food donations from the public and from the food industry, including supermarkets, food manufacturers and growers. To keep up with the high demand for food assistance, the Food Bank also purchases food at a low cost from wholesalers. Last year, the Food Bank distributed 18.3 million pounds of food, including 4.1 million pounds of fresh produce.

Eliza Collins is a Doctor of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine and a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner.  She founded her acupuncture practice on the East Side of Providence in September of 2014 and has enjoyed serving the people of Rhode Island for over 10 years.  Her primary areas of expertise are chronic pain management, injury rehabilitation, post-surgical recovery, and stress management.  She enjoys working with individuals from all walks of life, and has enjoyed working with the veteran population as an independent contractor with the VA, as well.

As the Deputy District Director of the Rhode Island District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration Matthew, works with, and assist so many unique local small businesses and organizations which are the engine of our state and national economy. Since joining the agency in 2012 he serves in several roles with proficiency in areas such as commercial lending, federal procurement and contracting certifications, stakeholder relations. Matthew is a graduate from Bryant University BA