05/17/09 Despite Tough Economy, Fundraiser Moves Forward     GTECH Corporation chairman Donald R. Sweitzer (below left) and Hinckley Allen & Snyder partner Robert G. Flanders, Jr. (below right) will head this year’s “Brighter Futures”  fundraising drive benefiting Family Service of Rhode Island. The effort will culminate in the annual Brighter Futures luncheon on Monday, October 19, noon, at the Rhode Island Convention Center. Sweitzer, of Warwick, formerly served as senior vice president of global business development and public affairs at GTECH, and has advised numerous national, statewide and congressional candidates.  Flanders, of East Greenwich, formerly served as one of the five justices on the Rhode Island Supreme Court, and currently serves as chair of the Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education in Rhode Island, and serves on various other boards of directors and commission. “Family Service of Rhode Island is fortunate to have the leadership of Mr. Sweitzer and Judge Flanders as we raise funds in the toughest economic climate we’ve seen,” said Family Service of RI CEO Margaret Holland McDuff.  “It’s a challenging year but I know they and our other volunteers are working hard to make the fundraising drive a success.”  The goal is $150,000. Family Service of RI provides a range of services to the state’s most needy families.  “The tougher the times, the more we’re needed,” she said.  “That’s why we’re hoping that people and companies who are doing reasonably well despite the economy will find it in their hearts to increase their contributions this year.” Some of the services provided by Family Service of Rhode Island include emergency food, safe homes for abused children,  a warm lunch for low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS, a school for children with severe emotional and learning problems, counseling for mental health and substance abuse problems, and more. For more information, please call 401-331-1350 ext. 3367 or email hugst@familyserviceri.org.    (end)