A company founded by a local couple 50 years ago is celebrating its golden anniversary by raising money to protect one of Rhode Island’s most important assets, Narragansett Bay.
Arthur and JoEllen Fiorenzano established a designated fund for Save The Bay to continue its mission, which has been to keep the bay swimmable, fishable and accessible since 1970. The Fiorenzanos are the founders of FAF Inc., which sells fashion accessories from its warehouse based in the Greenville section of Smithfield. The fund is perpetual.
“It’s not like a one and done,” JoEllen said. “It will keep growing.
Topher Hamblett, the executive director of Save The Bay, said the Fiorenzanos’ fund, which is not earmarked for a specific program, builds upon their donations of more than 20 years.
“It’s very meaningful because this very generous family has put their trust in Save The Bay to be stewards of Narragansett Bay,” Hamblett said. “The confidence and trust that comes with that gift is meaningful to everyone in the organization.”
“We’ve been talking about it for a while,” JoEllen said. “Timing just seemed to be perfect.”
The Fiorenzanos said it was “really important” to integrate this contribution through the business, opposed to just them personally.
“We’ve been supporting Save The Bay through the business,” JoEllen said. “ It felt like a perfect fit and the perfect time to do it.”
FAF, which is an acronym for Fashion Accessories First, has supported Save The Bay’s efforts since the business opened 1975. The company has incorporated environmental consciousness into their business plan since it was founded. It works with retailers that encourage sustainability and they also reduce their environmental impact by using recycled materials and limiting the water used in the production process.
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