"Margaritaville", a.k.a. Carnegie Abbey Club, Hosts Ishi Dojo Fundraiser

Gilda & David Piccoli

On a perfect August day, golfers were searching for that lost golf ball or elusive 2-under- par to benefit the work of Ishi Dojo, a Providence-based organization that gives youths from 6 to 18 hope, strength and direction through physical and nutritional training.

As the golfers came off the course and eyed the scoreboard (rather competitively), they were serenaded by The Sun Kings band (playing some Jimmy Buffett, of course,) and were joined by wives who had taken the opportunity to avail themselves of the Club’s superb spa facilities.

Mariely Gonzalez & Brian McDonough

A mix of Board members, supporters, and young people was there, as founders of Ishi Dojo David Piccoli and Brian McDonough relaxed with friends. A silent auction included many sports-related items, and the live auction, conducted by Mr. Piccoli, included Boston Red Sox tickets, a Utah ski house, and a selection of fine wines.

After the hors d’oeuvres, a splendid buffet was served, and filmed interviews with instructors in yoga and martial arts described the programs, with young participants telling how the programs had “changed my life,” one after another. A skit, written and performed by Ishi Dojo kids, and titled “Subtle Warnings”, utilizing the patois of the street, showed a young man so overprotective of his sister that he was later spotted watching her on her date!

Cap signed by Brad Faxon in silent auction

Awards were given for the slowest team (won by Scott and Reins Lambrese), and First nut, won by (Mike Rispoli, Dennis and Larry,

The winning and second place teams were honored, as well.

Seen by Newport Seen were Peter Joseph, Peter McDonald, Peter Koch, David Piccoli, Julie Duffy, Melanie Henderson, and Mike Schmidt.

The evening ended with a beautiful sunset, lively dancing and verbal replays of the day's games.

-- L.P.

From the website: Ishi Dojo is a 501C3 not-for-profit organization located in Providence, RI, that provides tools to at-risk youth to increase the quality of their lives. Ishi Dojo is a safe, motivating environment that gives,. We offer programs to children that build character, self-confidence, discipline, focus, patience, self-control and respect.