Wayne Hawkins of Coventry Honored
as a 2008 Outstanding Volunteer

The Volunteer Center of Rhode Island (VCRI) is pleased to announce that Wayne Hawkins of Coventry will be honored for commendable service in his community through AIDS Care Ocean State

The Outstanding Volunteer Award, sponsored this year by The Washington Trust Company, is presented annually to several individuals and groups who have made a visible impact in their communities through focused and selfless volunteer work. These awards serve to emphasize the important role volunteers play in Rhode Island and to recognize the time and talent invested by the honorees, such as Wayne Hawkins in nonprofit organizations throughout the state.

Hawkins has contributed to AIDS Care’s fundraising events for the past five years. Hawkins, and his alter-ego, Sabrina Blaze, have dedicated their time at most, if not all, of AIDS Care’s 22 fundraisers. He plans, organizes and performs an annual, “Sabrina Blaze LIVE on Broadway,” which successfully raised $10,000 for AIDS Care Ocean State this year.

Kelly Brennan, of AIDS Care Ocean State, praises Hawkins work and assistance, “In 2007, our fundraising events generated $175,000. And, without this income, many of the services we provide to those living with HIV and AIDS in New England would have suffered. Wayne was a part of every event and certainly responsible for helping us raise each dollar. AIDS Care Ocean State serves 1,778 people in our small state and I have no doubt that each life has been touched by the work of our volunteers- especially Wayne.”

VCRI is proud to acknowledge Wayne Hawkins for all of his achievements as an Outstanding Volunteer during the "VolunCheers 2008!" on Tuesday, April 29th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick, RI.