All Pawtucket All The Time

Nonprofit agency receives unrestricted $25,000 grant, PR and volunteer support

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Earlier today, Citizens Bank and NBC 10 named Kids First, Inc. in Providence as their 2010 fourth quarter Champion in Action^® in the healthy communities category. Kids First will receive a $25,000 unrestricted grant, media coverage and extensive promotional and volunteer support for its outstanding work.

The grant will be used to provide training and professional development, technical assistance and educational programs throughout Rhode Island.

“Citizens Bank is pleased to name Kids First as the newest Champion in Action in the healthy communities category,” said Ned Handy, President, Citizens Bank, Rhode Island. “This award will help Kids First continue to provide the essential elements and tools needed to advocate for healthy eating and encourage daily physical activity.”

“NBC 10 is proud to recognize Kids First as both an innovator as well as a motivator for healthy environments and to support wellness. This organization has become a statewide leader by providing nutrition expertise to benefit healthy outcomes for all Rhode Island citizens and we are pleased to name it a Champion in Action,” said Lisa Churchville, President and General Manager of NBC 10.

Launched in 2002, Champions in Action is a joint initiative of Citizens Bank and NBC 10 to recognize and support nonprofit organizations for their contributions to Rhode Island communities. A new Champion in Action is selected each quarter among a range of social service topics.

Kids First provides a wide-array of programs including:

The Rhode Island Farm to School project that collaborates with state agencies, schools and local farms to provide locally grown food to all 36 school districts;

Teams of chefs nutritionists and health professional that deliver educational programs and workshops statewide;

Its Healthy Eating on a Budget program where parents and caregivers learn basic nutrition facts for inexpensive meal preparation.

    As a Champion in Action, Kids First will receive:

 A $25,000 contribution in unrestricted funds from Citizens Bank.

 Media coverage from NBC 10, including public service announcements and television profiles.

 Volunteer support from Citizens and NBC 10 employees.

  Extensive public relations support.

       Promotional support, highlighting the Champion in Action in all Citizens Bank branches and on its ATMs.

   Exposure on both Citizens Bank and NBC 10 Web sites.

    “It is a tremendous honor for our organization to be selected as a Champion in Action,” said Dorothy Brayley, Executive Director of Kids First, Inc. “Kids First is a trusted and valuable resource in every Rhode Island community, assisting each to build its own thriving culture of wellness.”

Applications for the second quarter 2011 Champion in Action in the food and nutrition category are due Friday, January 7^th at 5 p.m. and the winner will be announced in April 2011. Online applications can be obtained at www.citizensbank.com/community/champions.