This year's goal is to raise $600,000 to assist families in Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE 11/10/2008 - Rhode Island General Treasurer Frank T. Caprio was the keynote speaker at the recent kick-off breakfast for The Salvation Army's "Warm Thy Neighbor" campaign for 2008-2009. The program is part of the state's Good Neighbor Energy Fund.

"With winter right around the corner, many families in Rhode Island are going to struggle with paying their heating bills," said Caprio. "The Good Neighbor Energy Fund is vitally important in helping those who need financial assistance pay their bills and keep their families warm."

The Good Neighbor Energy Fund's goal this year is to raise $600,000. The uncertain economy and high energy prices make this fund-raising initiative even more important as the state heads into the colder months.

Treasurer Caprio thanked the nearly 90 people in attendance at the breakfast, which was held in the Salvation Army's Child-Care Center in South Providence. Many of the attendees were service representatives from the 39 cities and towns in Rhode Island.

Caprio also told the crowd gathered that since last December the municipal market has felt the impact of the subprime credit crisis, enduring virtually unprecedented market dislocation and volatility, making programs such as the Good Neighbor Energy Fund that much more important.

"Despite the recent market turmoil, states, state agencies and municipalities must still find effective ways to finance important capital projects such as roads, schools and wastewater facilities, while also making sure to take care of its citizens in need," said Caprio.

This year's Chairman of the GNEF is Dan Weekly, Managing Director of Northeast Government Affairs for Dominion Resources, one of the energy companies which comprise the Board of the GNEF.

"Last year's campaign raised the second highest donation total in the Fund's history, but more important is the more than 2,275 families the Fund assisted," said Weekly.

Each of the participating companies, which include National Grid, Dominion Resources, FPL's R.I.State Energy Center, Pascoag Utility District, and Trans- Canada's Ocean State Power, made their donations in advance so that eligible families in need could be helped immediately.

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