Presented by Navigant Credit Union
Community Champions Breakfast 2026
A feel-good, mission-driven gathering celebrating those who show up for our Cranston community, raising funds for the annual Veteran Turkey Drive at the Veterans Day Parade.
Location
The Elliotte at the Historic Park Theatre Cranston, RI
Event Schedule
9:30 AM Networking & Breakfast 9:45 AM Welcome & Mission 10:15 AM Champion Awards 11:00 AM Raffles & Sponsor Recognition 11:15 AM Closing Remarks
Date of Event
Saturday October 24, 2026
Ticket Options
$45 Individual Ticket $450 Table of 10
Secure Your Seat Today
More Than a Morning Together
The Community Champions Breakfast, hosted by Ed Brady, Taylor Brady, and the Cranston Cares Executive Board, is dedicated to uniting community leaders, local businesses, families, supporters, educators, veteran advocates, and residents to recognize extraordinary service.
Through philanthropy, partnership, and shared purpose, this inaugural fall event celebrates the people who make Cranston and Rhode Island stronger — while raising critical funds to support the annual Veteran Turkey Drive at the Veterans Day Parade.
Together, we honor those who show up for our community. This is the beginning of an annual tradition of recognition, connection, and giving.
Celebrating Those Who Show Up for Our Cranston Community
Your Ticket Includes
What Is Included with Your Ticket
- Community Champions Awards Ceremony
- Morning Networking & Breakfast
- Welcome & Mission Presentation
- Door Prize Raffle Entry
- Raffles & Sponsor Recognition
- Call to Action & Closing Remarks
- Community Networking Experience
- Support for Veteran Turkey Drive
2026 Award Categories
Seven Community Champions will be honored at the breakfast, each representing an area of extraordinary service and impact in Cranston and Rhode Island.
- Community Leadership
- Arts & Culture
- Education
- Youth Impact
- Small Business Leadership
- Mentorship
- Public Service
- Volunteerism
- Humanitarian Service
- Veteran Advocacy
- Lifetime Community Impact
Nominate a Community Champion
Do you know someone whose leadership, kindness, service, or commitment has made a meaningful impact on our community? Nominations close Friday, July 25, 2026.
Nominations close Friday, July 25, 2026. Awards will be presented at the Community Champions Breakfast on Saturday, October 24 at The Elliotte inside the historic Park Theatre.
Fields marked * are required. Nominations close July 25, 2026.
2026 Community Champion Honorees
Dave Bucci
Lifetime Service Award
For his decades of leadership and dedication as our newly retired manager of Cranston Veterans Memorial Ice Rink.
Gary Balletto Jr.
Sports, Fitness, and Community Leadership
Honoring the individual whose efforts helped build our future community champions through training at his facility, and his continued support for his community.
Mary Gallo
Arts & History Champion
For her commitment to education, the arts, the Cranston Arts Commission, and preserving our city’s rich history during America’s 250th Celebration.
Maria Manzi
Community Heritage Award
For preserving Cranston traditions like Meri Kennedy Park, the St. Mary’s Feast, and The Grange.
Christine Baum
Education & Mentorship Award
For inspiring and mentoring generations of students at Cranston West High School.
Judge Angie Cooper
Justice & Community Leadership Award
For her distinguished public service and commitment to our community.
Andrea DiCicco
2025 Cranston District Teacher of the Year
Honoring her recognition as the Cranston District Teacher of the Year and her dedication to student success.
Shannon Casey
Arts & Culture Award
For expanding opportunities for local artists and strengthening our creative community through Artist Exchange.
Lupe Aguilar
Community Social Entrepreneurship & Impact Award
For building community through Rhody Foody, the Garden City Farmers Market, and supporting our local small businesses.
Nicole Renzulli
Public Service & Coaching Award
For her unwavering dedication to serving the residents and families of Cranston.
The Granoff Family
Legacy of Giving Award
For their longstanding investment in our community and commitment to making Cranston a better place.
Support the Cause. Showcase Your Business.
Align your business with a community-driven event that celebrates extraordinary service. Join local leaders, organizations, and supporters in making a lasting impact while gaining meaningful visibility.
Presenting Sponsor
$1,000
- "Presented By" recognition on all marketing
- Speaking opportunity at the event
- Premium logo placement on all tables
- VIP Table of 8
- Social media and press recognition
Community Sponsor
$750
- Logo placement on event signage
- Program recognition
- VIP Table of 8
- Social media and press recognition
Supporting Table Sponsor
$400
- Name listed in event program and promotional materials
- VIP Table of 8
Community Collaboration Award
Special thanks to the Cranston Rotary as we honor their team for their collaboration in painting and reimagining the Oaklawn Library.
Become a Sponsor
Be part of something that extends beyond a single morning. This event brings together community, purpose, and impact — and your sponsorship plays a direct role in making that possible. Each level is designed to provide meaningful visibility while supporting the Veteran Turkey Drive and our mission-driven community work. Select your sponsorship below and our team will follow up with next steps and confirmation.