The World's Greatest Chocolate Chip Cookie™

Big Brothers of Rhode Island and Law enforcement Partner to Launch First Statewide Cookie Fundraiser this summer.

Police Chiefs head committee to recruit other law enforcement members.

East Providence - February 10, 2006 - Big Brothers of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association have partnered on a major fundraising initiative that will target the sweet tooth of Rhode Islanders this summer. Big Brothers officials hope to raise $250,000 from the effort, which officials consider to be precedent setting for Big Brother agencies across the country.

This June the non-profit organization aims to sell at least 100,000 boxes of chocolate chip cookies with the help of local law enforcement, big brothers and little brothers statewide, and through sales on the agency's web site. "We will introduce The World's Greatest Chocolate Chip Cookie™," said Big Brothers President Edward A. Carosi. "The cookies will be a high-quality, gourmet product. They'll be absolutely delicious and all the proceeds will go toward a good cause right here in Rhode Island. That's why they'll be the greatest. This effort has never been attempted by a Big Brother agency," added Carosi, the founder of Uncle Tony's Pizza and Pasta restaurants based in Warwick.

Each box will contain six large chocolate chip cookies and are expected to sell for $5. Beginning June 18th (Father's Day), participating law enforcement along with big brothers and moms of LIttle brothers will distribute pledge forms to family, friends, and co-workers across the state. The campaign will end August 13, giving the organization roughly two months to collect orders and begin production. After a few weeks, the cookies will be distributed to customers through the same officers, mentors and little brothers.

"This Father's Day we want to remember those children who do not have fathers," said Val Sinesi, BBRI's executive director. "For more than 50 years, we have paired positive male role models for thousands of fatherless boys across the state, which has resulted in lifelong friendships. We have witnessed those boys grow into outstanding individuals who are now leaders and mentors in their own communities. We hope that Rhode Islanders will help us continue this mission"

With the support of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association, Big Brothers has formed a committee that will consist of roughly 20 members representing several participating law enforcement agencies. The committee's co-chairmen are Glocester Police Chief Jamie Hainsworth, Johnston Police Chief Richard Tamburini and Chief Vincent Vespia of South Kingstown.

"We are always looking for new ways to support and connect with our communities," said Chief Hainsworth. "An organization like Big Brothers reaches every corner of our state. We are thrilled to support this unique endeavor."

The three chiefs are spearheading an effort to recruit other law enforcement members to join the committee and increase the initiative's potential distribution network. In addition to the state's 39 municipal police departments, members from the Rhode Island State Police, RI Sheriff's Department, RI Brotherhood of Correctional Officers, the RI Capitol Police and the Office of the RI Attorney's General will be invited to join. "We are extremely confident that other law enforcement agencies will support this program," said Chiefs Tamburini and Vespia. "Big Brothers is a respected organization with a mission that provides positive mentors for children who eventually become positive members of our society. It's an excellent program that we want to see continue for years to come."

To purchase boxes of cookies or to participate in the fundraiser, please contact Val Sinesi at Big Brothers of Rhode Island at (401) 432-9955.