BankNewport extended a grant in the amount of $15,000 in support of Blithewold Mansion’s $1.2 million slate roof restoration project. Thomas W. Kelly, president and CEO of BankNewport, and Cidalia Rodrigues, assistant vice president and Bristol branch manger, joined Blithewold Mansion Executive Director Karen Binder and Board Chairman Joan Abrams to view first hand the mansion’s slate roof. Targeted as one of the primary restoration projects of Blithewold’s 2nd Century Capital Campaign for 2008, the slate roof will be entirely replaced with the help of the grant.
Blithewold’s 2nd Century Campaign goal of $2.2 million will support extensive interior and exterior improvements to the mansion, including installation of an HVAC and fire suppression system to safeguard third floor archives; improvement of emergency lighting and notification systems; and replacement of antiquated mechanical systems with modern, energy efficient and environmentally friendly equipment.
