EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Gov. Dan McKee and Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner joined Mayor Bob DaSilva at Sacred Heart Church in East Providence on Thursday to announce the awarding of $50,000 in grants for the 2025 cultural feast season.
“We are excited that this summer's feast organizations are the recipients of this RI Rebounds grant and we thank Governor McKee and Secretary Tanner for their continued support,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said.
“Each summer, these feasts spotlight East Providence’s diversity, bringing with them thousands from across Rhode Island and Massachusetts to enjoy cultural celebrations and creating an economic boost while continuing to enrich our community’s heritage, history, and culture,” DaSilva added.
The RI Rebounds Placemaking Initiative at Rhode Island Commerce is a statewide effort to support businesses in the tourism and hospitality industries.
"Rhode Island's vibrant arts and culture scene deserves to be celebrated, and we're committed to showcasing the very best attractions our state has to offer," Governor Dan McKee said. "Summer is when Rhode Island shines and through our Placemaking Initiative, we’re continuing to support local events and festivals so visitors and residents can see why Rhode Island is truly All That."
The $50,000 grant will be split equally ($6,250) among all eight organizations hosting a cultural feast in the city this summer, assisting with things such as tent rental, food, beverages, entertainment and more.
“Rhode Island Commerce is proud to support the City of East Providence and the eight cultural feast organizations through our Placemaking program,” Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner said. “These events attract visitors, support local businesses, and enhance the quality of life of residents by showcasing the city’s unique culture and hospitality.”
The following organizations are receiving grant funding for this summer’s feast season: Sacred Heart Church, Holy Ghost Beneficial Brotherhood of RI, Trinity Brotherhood Club, St.Francis Xavier Church, Theopilo Braga Club, Holy Ghost Brotherhood of Charity, Holy Ghost Brotherhood of Mariense and the Cape Verdean Progressive Center.
“Thank you to Gov. Dan McKee, Mayor Bob DaSilva, Secretary Tanner and Rhode Island Commerce,” Glenn Fagundes said. “As the proud president of Trinity Brotherhood, I know how grateful all of the organizations are for this grant.
“This initiative has allowed our Portuguese cultural events to remain vibrant and to flourish,” Fagundes added.
