A local icon, O-N Radio, received the Outstanding Philanthropic Business Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Rhode Island Chapter at the 2025 National Philanthropy Day Breakfast.
Dave Richards, radio station owner and chief engineer, accepted the award surrounded by family, friends and professional colleagues on November 6th at the Crowne Plaza, Providence-Warwick.
Community Care Alliance (CCA) nominated O-N Radio for its culture of community engagement and heartfelt generosity toward the City of Woonsocket and beyond. The radio station avidly supports The Milk Fund, an annual appeal that originated with CCA’s legacy organization in 1932 to provide weekly milk vouchers for people struggling to make ends meet. O-N RADIO gives this initiative a huge infusion on an annual basis with a month-long charity auction on the radio. “I am honored to have worked side-by-side with Dave on a number of charitable projects throughout the last 30 years with the Mild Fund Appeal being the most recent,” said Lisa Carcifero, Regional Director of the Blackstone Valley Prevention Coalition.
Dave Richards served for over 20 years on the Steering Committee of Autumnfest, the largest fall festival in northern Rhode Island, and received the honor of Grand Marshall in 2013 by former Mayor Leo Fontaine. “Dave works unselfishly for any civic activity that he participates in, of which there are many. He does so because he truly desires a community that works together for the betterment of all,” said Garrett Mancieri, Owner, Mancieri Real Estate and Vice Chair of the Autumnfest Steering Committee.
For over 15 years, O-N Radio has broadcasted Community Connections, a monthly radio show on Wednesdays at 10:30 hosted by CCA, for a nominal fee. Dave has also generously offered the studio for the CCA Holiday for Kids Radiothon, a lively, call-in show that highlights CCA programs while fundraising. With full access to the studio, music library and expert advice from Dave, CCA has raised funds to support holiday giving for local families in need for the last five years.
Dave has also volunteered for Woonsocket Mardi Gras, an event of The Northern RI Council of the Arts, and is currently the Board Chair of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council (BVTC). “There is no person in the Blackstone Valley who has given more of themselves,” said Dr. Robert Billington, President of BVTC.
O-N RADIO staff are also civically-minded contributing their time to the Rotary, Kiwanis, Elks, Jaycees and other local community organizations that benefit the community.
O-N RADIO is an iconic part of the northern Rhode Island and Massachusetts communities (Woonsocket, N. Smithfield, Cumberland, Lincoln, Burrillville, Bellingham, Blackstone, Millville, Uxbridge, Franklin and Wrentham), thanks in large part to the stewardship of Dave Richards and his love of this community. He and his wife, Denise, live modestly, while giving back very generously of their time. Colleen Joubert, CCA Director of Community Care Alliance stated why Dave and his radio station was nominated. “So many people have benefitted from the culture of giving back that they have created at O-N RADIO and in their own personal lives. O-N RADIO staff and Dave always give from the heart.
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