CVS Health Charity Classic Hosts Second Annual Crave RI

The CVS Health Charity Classic Event Series, celebrating its 20th year, kicked off with the second annual Crave RI food festival at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Downtown Providence on June 21 and 22. Guests enjoyed food samples from more than 100 local restaurants along with cooking demonstrations by local chefs. More than 150 beer, wine and spirits vendors provided tastes for guests. Industry event sponsors included Diageo, Heineken and Pernod Ricard. Proceeds from the annual event benefit a number of charitable organizations that support the Rhode Island community.

: Cesaieina Leonado, Banquets, Rhode Island Convention Center; Kyle Silva, Guest; Kristen Mulvey, Guest; Jenne Barry, Guest; Michaela Brinkley, Customer Service and Marketing Coordinator, Revival Brewing Co.; and Jaquelin Perres, Banquets, Rhode Island Convention Center.

: Amber Lourenco, Brand Ambassador, Crooked Current Brewery; Neil Souza, Event Marketing, Crooked Current Brewery; and Lito Carvalho, Bartender, Rhode Island Convention Center.

: Jess Pratt, Sales Representative, Grey Sail Brewing Co.; Kelsey Garvin, Culinary Director, Dave’s Coffee; and Dave Lanning, Co-founder, Dave’s Coffee.

: Brian Tait, Merchandising and Promotions, Narragansett Brewing Co.; Amanda Lariviere, Banquet Server, Rhode Island Convention Center; and Mandy Holt, Promotional Lead, Narragansett Brewing Co.

: Glen Chamberland, Bartender, Rhode Island Convention Center, pouring for Blue Point Brewing Co.

: Kendra Carlisle, Marketing Coordinator, Newport Vineyards; Raphael Valdes, Prep Cook, Brix Restaurant; Andy Teixeira, Executive Chef, Newport Vineyards; and Allison Wilke, Food and Beverage Manager, Newport Vineyards.

: Giovanna Boscia and Bri Beauregard, both Brand Ambassadors for Whalers Brewing Co.

: Mike Sattler, Key Account Manager, Spiked Seltzer and Lilly Tromp, Food and Beverage Dept., Rhode Island Convention Center.

: Jaime Salinas, Beverage Server, Rhode Island Convention Center, representing Tecate, Dos Equis XX Beer and Heineken.

: Jeremy Forsythe, Brand Ambassador, Willie’s Superbrew and Jerry Marino, Bartender, Rhode Island Convention Center.

: Bartenders Marcus Eldridge and J.P. Mooney pouring Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits Co. selections.

: Newport Craft Distilling Co.’s newly released small batch gin is distilled from cane sugar and blended with local juniper, galaxy hops and other botanicals.