The Japan-America Society and Black Ships Festival of Rhode Island recently hosted the Black Ships Gala, sponsored by Toray Plastics America Inc., to celebrate the 26th Annual Black Ships Festival and the “sister city” relationship between Shimoda, Japan, and Newport.
Alan G. Hassenfeld, chairman of the executive committee for Hasbro Inc., was the evening’s honorary chair. He was presented with a historic picture of Commodore Perry from 1854 to honor his philanthropic efforts, which have crossed local, regional, national and international borders. Special guests included George Wein, producer of international jazz concerts, tours and other events, and Betty Anne Waters, member of the New England Innocence Project. Through different means, both Wein and Waters have dedicated their careers to furthering relationships across boarders.
Linda Andreoni, of East Providence, and Dr. Anthony Regine, of Middletown, served as the gala co-chairs. The event raised $45,000 for educational, cultural and business programs at the Japan-America Society and Black Ships Festival of Rhode Island. •
