09/10/09 Congressman Patrick Kennedy to Receive Brighter Futures Award Family Service of Rhode Island will be honoring Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy with its annual Brighter Futures Award. “Congressman Kennedy is a recognized leader on mental health issues, including children’s mental health issues.  He’s dedicated to building brighter futures for youngsters suffering from mental illnesses, poverty, substance abuse and other issues,” said Margaret Holland McDuff, CEO of Family Service of RI. The non-profit annually recognizes a person or organization making life better for Rhode Island’s children.  Past recipients include the Boston Red Sox, the Pawtucket Red Sox, Senator Jack Reed, Providence Mayor David Cicilline, and the city’s police chief, Colonel Dean Esserman. The award will be made at a luncheon on Monday, October 19, noon at the RI Convention Center.  The luncheon is a major fundraiser for Family Service of RI. “It is an honor to be recognized by Family Service of Rhode Island.  The leadership and staff are dedicated to ensuring that Rhode Island’s families and children have access to integrated services and critical resources so that they may lead healthier, happier lives,” said Congressman Kennedy. “The results help to improve the lives of individuals, families and communities at large, and during these challenging times, these services are needed more than ever. “I commend the efforts of both the staff and the clients of Family Service of Rhode Island, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside them in support of safe, healthy and productive environments for our state’s children and families.” Major supporters of this year’s Brighter Futures event include GTECH; Bank of America; the Citizens Foundation; Hinckley, Allen & Snyder; and Kahn, Litwin, Renza and Company.  The event is co-chaired by Donald R. Sweitzer, GTECH corporation chairman, and Robert G. Flanders, Jr. a partner at Hinckley, Allen & Snyder. Tickets are available for $125 each, and may be obtained by calling (401) 331-1350 ext. 3319 or emailing bellenoitel@familyserviceri.org. (end)