RI Building & Construction Trades Council to present 2016 BIG Walk `Harvest Hike' 5k Walk/Fun-Run to benefit BBBSOS

On Saturday, Nov. 5 at Roger Williams Park, the Rhode Island Building and Construction Trades Council will hold its annual BIG Walk “Harvest Hike” 5k Walk/Fun-Run to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State (BBBSOS).

Registration will begin at 9 a.m. at the Carousel. The event will kick off rain or shine at 10 a.m. and will take participants through beautiful Roger Williams Park. This year’s harvest-themed event will feature free children’s activities such as face painting, a photo booth and prizes for those who raise money for BBBSOS. Refreshments will be provided by Uncle Tony’s Pizza and Pasta Restaurant as well as Dunkin’ Donuts. Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza is serving as the honorary chairperson this year.

Michael F. Sabitoni, president of the Rhode Island Building and Construction Trades Council and Business Manager of the Rhode Island Laborers’ District Council, is serving as the walk’s co-chair for the fifth year in a row.

“It is very inspiring to see so many individuals from the Rhode Island Building and Construction Trades Council – as well as Rhode Island’s public employees who serve our state, cities and towns – come out to support this very worthwhile organization,” Sabitoni said. “Our dedicated tradesmen and women in the labor movement and hardworking public servants who are all part of Rhode Island’s AFL-CIO know the importance of volunteering and giving back to the community. Collectively we can make a significant impact in the support of such a vital organization like Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State. I am also extremely grateful to our employers and signatory contractors who sponsor this walk. It’s always a great event and lots of fun for the entire family!”

BBBSOS provides mentors to the youth of Rhode Island who will motivate and empower them to make positive decisions, improve academic results, avoid risky behaviors, and grow in a way that will positively impact our community. Currently there are over 50 children on the waiting list, most of whom are boys, waiting for someone to positively impact their lives.

“Mentoring is one of the best, and most fun ways to give back. Just a little bit of time can make a big difference in a child’s life and, most often, it impacts yours as well,” said Tina Santos, development and communications manager at BBBSOS.

To find out more about this year’s event, email events@bbbsos.org or call 921-2434, ext. 121 to learn more about becoming a mentor to a child in Rhode Island, visit bbbsos.org or call 921-2434, ext. 101.