Last Friday, the Rhode Island Center for Freedom & Prosperity celebrated a monumental achievement at its 2023 Freedom Banquet held in Warwick. The event, which brought together over 200 attendees, marked a significant milestone in the Center’s fundraising efforts, raising over $43,000 in total receipts. This sum made possible through table sponsorships, raffle ticket sales, and a lively auction, far exceeded the contributions from previous years. It is the single largest fundraising event since the Center’s inception in 2011.

The 2023 Daniel S. Harrop Freedom Banquet was a night filled with inspiring moments, thoughtful discussions, and a shared commitment to promoting freedom and prosperity in the Ocean State. One of the evening’s highlights was the presentation of the prestigious J. William Middendorf Pillar of Freedom Award to Frank and Liz Mauran, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the cause of freedom.

At the event, Americans For Prosperity presented a message of hope and announcement of a commitment to invest in Rhode Island. AFP was the presenting sponsor for the banquet.

The attendees were treated to a keynote address and interview with Guy Benson, a nationally renowned political analyst, whose insights shed light on the current political landscape. Additionally, the event acknowledged the Beachhead Coalition members for their dedication to raising awareness about parental rights and divisive K-12 curricula.

The evening’s emcees, Chairman Dr. Stephen Skoly and CEO Mike Stenhouse, provided commentary and guided attendees through the program. The event also marked the announcement of a public petition drive. This initiative aims to bring about major reforms at the Rhode Island Department of Education, addressing issues of inefficiency and corruption. The Center plans to release further details about this drive in an upcoming media release, indicating their commitment to tackling critical challenges head-on.

The Freedom Banquet, held in the grand ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, was not just an occasion for celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of the Center’s founding chairman, Dr. Daniel Harrop. His unexpected passing last fall made it all the more meaningful as attendees honored his memory through their shared dedication to the Center’s mission.

For those unable to attend, event photos and additional information can be accessed on the Center’s official website here.