Press Release: November 25, 2008
Contact:  Liz Marsis (401) 728-5555

Pawtucket, R.I. — The Roger Williams Park Casino was the setting for George Wiley Center's seventh annual auction on November 5th, which raised over $21,000 for the statewide community organizing agency.

About 80 guests, including event sponsors Hon. David Cicilline and Robert McConnell, Esq. of MotleyRice, mingled in high spirits, celebrating the twin wins of local community organizing and national community organizing on the night after the U. S. presidential elections. WJAR's Dan Jaehnig encouraged the lively bidding; while activist member Dr. John Colby called for signatures on a petition supporting legislation to implement an affordable, year-round energy payment plan for household members living at or below 150% of federal poverty line in Rhode Island.

In addition to celebrating the events' success, George Wiley Center members celebrated a $10 million victory for Rhode Islanders in the battle to end the “heat or eat” tradeoff. After a 12 month organizing campaign for the joint Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Energy Resources program, H-EAT, 9,410 food stamp recipients will start receiving a monthly increase (averaging $86) just before Thanksgiving.

Together, we have the power.