Community College of Rhode Island’s fundraising arm, the CCRI Foundation, welcomed more than 180 guests at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet for its recent Changing Lives celebration. The annual event, which recognizes partners in business, education and the community, raised $38,000 this year to provide financial aid to students in need.

Among the award recipients was Independent Insurance Agents of Rhode Island, which was recognized as this year’s Business Champion. In explaining his organization’s reasons for donating to CCRI, IIARI Executive Vice President Mark Male said, “We do it because we need the next generation of leaders, and that’s going to come from CCRI.”

The CCRI Foundation also recognized Year Up Providence as Community Champion and Walter and Eileen Jeanes Jachna as Education Champions. In addition to the awards ceremony, there were silent and live auctions to raise funds for scholarships. The CCRI Foundation also benefited from contributions by event sponsors Lifespan, Amica Mutual Insurance Co. and The Washington Trust Co. •