The WaterFire community didn’t have to travel too far to celebrate in Nashville, to kick off our 30th Season. Over in downtown Providence, Moonshine Alley hosted WaterFire’s first Moonshine + Dine event! On Wednesday, April 23, WaterFire and Moonshine Alley partnered to bring an amazing fundraising night for WaterFire. Staff, volunteers, and friends all came out with their two-step to eat southern cuisine, while some even participated in our organization’s first ping pong tournament!
The great atmosphere and staff were a few of many reasons why WaterFire planned to go all in on Moonshine Alley this season! The restaurant offers all of the great perks of Nashville, but brings it to the heart of Providence. With April 23 being one of the nicest days of the year so far, it was possible to forget you were even in Rhode Island – aside from the Celtics winning on the big screens!
WaterFire’s first ping pong tournament was a small but great addition. Filled with staff and Johnson & Wales students, the competitive spirits were out! Mohammed Felemban, a student at Johnson & Wales, was our first-ever champion! He showcased his skills and experience, ultimately beating his twin brother in the final. Congratulations Mohammed!
With WaterFire’s first Starts at Sunset lighting being less than a month away, our Moonshine + Dine event was a fun way to kick off the season! We could see the excitement from our volunteers and friends who made the night so amazing. I had the opportunity to speak with many students unfamiliar with WaterFire, and was glad to hear about their decisions to come out and support this 30th lighting season!
By the end of the night, WaterFire was able to raise over $270. We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who participated in and contributed to WaterFire. We would also like to thank Moonshine Alley for partnering with us to kick-start our 2025 season lighting season and for the years of their generous partnership. They are truly keeping the fires burning, in more ways than one. Learn more about the 2025 WaterFire Season Schedule.
This special community gathering was led by our incredible development interns – Joshua Orellana, a student at Johnson & Wales University studying Arts & Culture, and Kiersten Reilly, a Public Relations major at the University of Rhode Island. They took the lead in planning and executing this event as a way to connect with the community, raise awareness and inspire support. We’re so proud of their initative and grateful for the energy and heart they’ve brought to WaterFire!
About the author
Caitlin McDonough, Brand Strategy Coordinator, has been a force at WaterFire since starting over four years ago. Being a life-long Rhode Islander has shaped her view on all things Providence and the growth of the arts community which brought her to WaterFire. Focusing on social media, videography, marketing and merchandise - her expertise in these areas has helped strengthened WaterFire's voice and brand across platforms.
