Thanks to funds recently donated by BankNewport, Methodist Community Gardens has more space to grow and more capacity to give. more

Volunteers for the Rhode Island Audubon Society’s Osprey Monitoring Program reported 178 successfully fledged young in 2012, the highest number in the program’s 35 year history. more

Employees at The Miriam Hospital recently received the American Heart Association Hospital Cup at a fundraising event to fight heart disease and stroke. Miriam Hospital President Arthur Sampson presented the trophy to Miriam employees Karen Joost, Jaime Longval and Monica Anderson at the Southern New England Heart Walk at Colt State Park in Bristol. The recipients served as company leaders and helped the hospital recruit 333 walkers, who raised more than $58,000 for the fight against heart disease and stroke. more

SOUTH KINGSTOWN – The Champlin Foundations have awarded five grants totaling $530,000 to help support hands-on learning at the University of Rhode Island. more

On New Year’s Day, when many businesses are normally closed, fitness centers and yoga studios on Aquidneck Island opened their doors in an effort to assist families in crisis in Newtown, Conn. more

Employees in BankFive’s north office were recently recognized for their generosity and dedication to helping those with mental illnesses. more

More than 20 percent of children in the Ocean State live with a parent who is either unemployed or underemployed, according to a report from the Urban Institute. more

A series of fundraisers to restore camp facilities in Slater Park destroyed by a fire late last year will begin with a Dining for Dollars event on Feb. 18 at Bertucci’s at the Emerald Square Mall in North Attleboro. more

With the help of a $4,000 sponsorship from Bank Rhode Island, the 37th annual Meeting Street Telethon exceeded its fundraising goal, bringing in more than $809,000. more

The Providence Roller Derby will present a FIRE vs. ICE fundraiser bout on Feb. 24 at the Narragansett Ocean Club Skating Rink on South Pier road in Narragansett at 5:30 p.m. to benefit its upcoming season and debut new teamers. more