Arthur S. Robbins, Honorary Chair
Philanthropist and business leader Arthur S. Robbins has been named Honorary Chair of the Providence Rotary Legends for Literacy Gala, to be held on Oct. 26. He will receive a Lifetime Education Award from the Rotary Club of Providence in recognition of his decades of innovative leadership to support education in Providence.
The Legends for Literacy Gala is the primary fundraising vehicle for the Childhood Literacy Initiative of the Rotary Club of Providence, a multi-year effort to advance literacy among Providence public school students by providing state-of-the-art teaching materials as well as tutoring and mentoring by club members. More than 5,000 elementary and middle school students will benefit from initiative activities in the 2021-22 school year alone.
“I am truly honored to accept this award from the Providence Rotary Club, where I’ve been a member for many years, and to support the club’s inspired work to advance literacy,” said Robbins. “Finding new ways to improve education for Providence kids has been my passion for over 30 years and I couldn’t be more pleased that my club is carrying that work forward.”
“Arthur Robbins has been one of the most imaginative and influential forces for positive change in city schools for many years,” said Holly B. Applegate, president of the Rotary Club of Providence. “We are honored to count him as a Providence Rotarian and to present him with a Lifetime Education Award.”
Richard Kaplan
A highlight of the evening will be presentation of a teaching achievement award in memory of Richard Kaplan, a beloved Rotarian who was passionate about the club’s community service.
The award recipient, a Providence Public School teacher, will be announced at the Gala.