Sen. DaPonte secures $10K grant for ‘Townie Project 2.0′ gym project

PROVIDENCE — Senate Finance Committee Chairman Daniel Da Ponte (District 14 – East Providence) announced the awarding of a $10,000 legislative grant to the “Townie Project 2.0,” which aims to revitalize the Riverside and Martin Middle School Gymnasiums as a follow-up project to last summer’s highly successful EP High School Gymnasium Restoration Project.

The announcement, made Tuesday, June 17, comes just one day before Townie alum John Carnevale (EPHS Class of 2000) and his non-profit team known as D’amours Step will host a “Rockin’ Pasta Dinner” fundraiser at the EPHS cafeteria in order to raise funds for the project, which they are planning to begin in early July.

“I couldn’t be more proud and grateful to be in a position to sponsor this grant,” said Sen. DaPonte.  “After witnessing the extraordinary success of last summer’s project—and after meeting with John to discuss what he and his team have in store for this summer—I knew that I had to find a way to contribute, not only to the work that lies ahead but also to the financing of the project.  I really want to congratulate John and his team at D’amours Step on bringing such an impressively broad coalition of folks together for the betterment of our youth and community in East Providence.  This project truly symbolizes what public service and “Townie Pride” are all about.”

The Townie Project 2.0 “Rockin’ Pasta Dinner” will take place from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the East Providence High School cafeteria.  Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children (under age 5 is free).  To donate to the project or inquire about volunteering, please visit www.damoursstep.org, or kindly send a check to: D’amours Step, 149 Martin St., East Providence, R.I., 02914.