FireBall Gala: Phoenix Rising
Event Details
Secure your tickets for the 9th Annual FireBall: Phoenix Rising on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the WaterFire Arts Center—an inspiring evening of renewal and impact, fueling the next chapter of WaterFire.
Phoenix Rising: Feathers & Flames
In 2025, WaterFire rises, renewed like a phoenix from the ashes. After years of transformation and resilience, we are reemerging with bold new energy, vision, and impact. This year’s FireBall Gala is more than a night of art, light, and community. It’s a celebration of perseverance, reinvention, and the power of collective imagination. This year’s theme, Phoenix Rising, celebrates transformation, renewal, and the spark of a new era for WaterFire Providence.
What to wear: Black Tie Optional with a Feathers & Flames flair! We encourage guests to lean into the theme of Phoenix Rising: Feathers + Flames!
Schedule of Events
FireBall VIP Reception: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Red carpet welcome
- Private gathering to celebrate these exceptional honorees before the awards ceremony
- Includes champagne toast, program, and access to the entire event
- Tickets for VIP Reception are $325 each
9th Annual FireBall Gala: 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Red carpet welcome at 7:00 p.m.
- Seated dinner at 7:30 p.m. by Russell Morin Catering & Events
- Awards ceremony and live performances throughout the evening
- Fund-A-Need to support WaterFire Providence
- DJ, dancing, and dessert to close the night
- Tickets for General Admission are $175 each
2025 FireBall Honorees
We are excited to recognize the following exceptional Rhode Islanders with WaterFire Impact Awards in gratitude for their service and leadership that have shaped our community in so many ways:
Learn More About These Exceptional Honorees>>
Ways to Support
Host a Table! – $5000
Grab your favorite people and host a table for 10 in a prime spot! You’ll get shout-outs in FireBall materials and during the event, plus a half-page ad in the event program to show off your brand or message.
Want to go big? Add VIP perks for just $250 per guest!
Feather Sponsor – $1000
You and a guest will receive access to the entire event, plus featured recognition for your contribution in all FireBall materials.
Tables & Feather sponsorship packages can be purchased on the online checkout page or by mailing a check to WaterFire Providence, 475 Valley St, Providence, RI 02908.
Can’t Attend? Support WaterFire’s mission by making a “Sending My Regrets” donation available during checkout.
Contact Kelly Pattison, Director of Sponsorships and Corporate Relations, at kelly@waterfire.org
By sponsoring FireBall: Phoenix Rising, you’ll align your brand with one of Rhode Island’s most anticipated and meaningful fundraising events, supporting WaterFire Providence’s mission to inspire community and culture through art. This exclusive evening welcomes over 400 business leaders, philanthropists, and civic influencers for a night of celebration, connection, and impact. Your sponsorship helps raise critical funds to keep the fires burning and positions your organization as a champion of the arts, economic vitality, and community engagement in our region.
Committee Chair
Margaret Brassard
Host Committee
Jude Amoako
Sara Firetto
Erin Hanson
Sean Holley
Chris Morra
Angie Santana
Hilda Vargas
Honorary Committee
Kristen Adamo
Mark Allan
Ting Barnard
Kate Bramson
Ed Cabral and Tripp Evans
Russ Cooney
Barnaby Evans
Chris Marsella
Emily Martineau
Lt. Governor Sabina Matos
Audrey McClellend
Charlie Meyers
Rosanna Ortiz
Diana Rochefort
Ann Scott
Rick Simone
Robert A. Walsh Jr.
Joe Wilson Jr.
Vicki Veh
2025 FireBall Sponsors
Thank you so much to our generous sponsors for supporting our biggest event of the year!
Phoenix Sponsor
Flight Sponsor
- Barbara Sokoloff and Herb Ratansky
- Elaine and Barry Fain
Flame Sponsor
- Brassard Events
- High Output
- Michael and Beth Huber
- Providence Performing Arts Center
Feather Sponsor
- AT Cross
- Bogle Family Wine Collection
- Latina 100.3 FM
- Lisa Corrado Design
- Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island
- Newport Buzz
- Providence Drum Troupe
- Revolve Dance Project
- Studio 539 Florals
- Brooke Lee
- Elise Amour
- Jeffrey Massey and Erin Salema
- Norman Stein and Mindy Lubber Fund
Organizer
