Chamber Member Providence Center Holds Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of its New Retail Store, Gifts that Give

[Press Release]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2016
Contact:  Aimee Bullen
410-766-2212 x110

Glen Burnie, Md. – Providence Center, a non-profit organization in Anne Arundel County that serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, held a ribbon cutting ceremony and Grand Opening event on Saturday, April 23, 2016 for its new Gifts that Give retail store located at its Baldwin Industries facility at 1254 Ritchie Highway in Arnold, Maryland.

Gifts that Give is a new specialty gift store that features pottery and wooden home décor items and housewares, handmade by artists with disabilities served by Providence Center, as well as hand selected products from other Maryland-based artists and vendors.

Joan Miller, Providence Center’s Acting Chief Executive Officer said, “Our new retail store celebrates our mission and gives our community the chance to purchase quality items and support Providence Center at the same time. Every purchase helps to ensure a talented and dedicated staff and opportunities for those we serve to reach their goals and contribute to the world around them.”

The Grand Opening began with a ribbon cutting ceremony coordinated by the Severna Park & Arnold and North County chambers which was attended by local elected officials, Providence Center staff, individuals served by Providence Center and their families, and members of the public. Activities included product and flower sales, children’s crafts and activities including face painting by Crystalooney’s Creative Arts, free Bruster’s ice cream, door prizes, and raffles. A pop-up shop and Vintage Stamp Jewels took part in the day-long activities as well.

Gifts that Give is now open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The store is located at 1254 Ritchie Highway in Arnold, Maryland.

Providence Center, a non-profit organization based in Anne Arundel County, empowers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build skills, gain independence, reach life goals, and find meaningful, contributing roles in their community. Providence Center meets the growing needs of nearly 500 men and women through an array of services and supports, including job discovery, vocational training and supported employment, skills training for activities of daily living, and transportation.

(Above) Members of the Providence Center family cut the ribbon to welcome everyone to its new retail store Gifts that Give. Left to right: Aimee Bullen, Development Director; JoAnne Maurer, Manager of Special Events; Kenny Elgert, Providence Center woodworker; Joan Miller, Acting CEO; Alan Chester, Providence Center artist; Rosemary Elger (standing), Director of Community Development; Taylor Comport (seated), Providence Center community volunteer; Nathan Ullrich, Horticulture Manager; Sally Comport, Providence Center Board member; and Kathy Middlebrooks, Production Sales Manager.

(Below) Nancy Schrum recognizes Providence Center’s Gifts that Give Grand Opening with an Executive Citation from County Executive Steve Schuh. Left to right: Joan Miller, Providence Center’s Acting Chief Executive Officer; Nancy Schrum, Director of Constituent Services for the Office of the County Executive; and Kathy Middlebrooks, Providence Center’s Production Sales Manager.