Our 2024 Business Sponsors

THE BODHI SPA: WILL FUND THE HEATING & COOLING SYSTEMS IN THE LAB
heat up. cool down. relax. repeat. That is the mantra of the bodhi spa, which offers a unique experience using water in multiple forms and temperatures: hot, cold, steam, ice. The atmosphere is peaceful, joyful, transformative, and, of course, healing. The healing takes place, though, well beyond the borders of the Newport and Providence locations. In this instance, the healing will travel all the way to South Africa because, as a major business sponsor of our fundraiser, the bodhi spa will fully fund the heating & cooling systems in a brand new computer laboratory that’s coming in 2025! Yes, for the first time ever, 550 primary school children (Grades K - 7) will have a place to go to grow, research, study, practice math, hone English skills, master a computer keyboard, and much more, and they will do all of it, thanks to the bodhi spa, without freezing in the winter or overheating in the summer. That peace will give students a chance to focus on learning, not just surviving. Many, many thanks to the bodhi spa, its owners Harmony and Cedar, and the entire staff for being part of this one-of-a-kind business that has stepped UP to support Universal Promise and the thousands of children and families with whom we work in South Africa. What a way to spark some epic joy. We are humbled and grateful beyond words.

MISSION, TSK & CHANTERELLE: WILL FUND LAB INTERNET FOR ONE YEAR
Anna and Tyler Burnley and Chad Hoffer, owners of the eateries named above, have been off-the-charts supportive of Universal Promise since our earliest days. Year-after-year, these restaurants and the human beings behind them, have stepped UP over and over and over again to fuel the enhancement of opportunity for thousands of children and their families in South Africa. Need specifics? They donate money, they donate auction items for our yearly gala, they donate time by volunteering with us in South Africa, and they donate beautiful kitchen items from their shop Utility. In 2024, they also won Best Bite-in-Town, a Food Network show that featured Newport establishments. Mission won for its iconic breakfast sandwich that features a signature biscuit that made the judges swoon. The win came with a $5,000 check for Mission and a $5,000 donation for the nonprofit of Mission’s choice. Guess who! Yes, Universal Promise. Equally moving is their unique energy, outlook, and sincere passion for making the world much more just, civil, and hopeful and for extending its mantra well beyond the borders of Aquidneck Island. It is safe to say that we would not have been able to accomplish so much of what we have without the steadfast loyalty and altruism of Anna, Tyler, and Chad, their businesses, and their legion of family, friends, and fans.

THE ROBIN’S EGG: WILL FUND LAB INTERNET FOR ONE YEAR
The Robin’s Egg is a unique specialty children’s boutique that offers new and consignment clothing and high-quality wood toys (from around that world) that are sure to spark the imagination of your children. The shop, which is located at 1016 East Main Road, Portsmouth, Rhode Island, is no stranger to Universal Promise. Over the past several years, The Robin’s Egg owners, Robin and David Lee, have been unwavering in their support of educating and uplifting children, no matter where those children live. In other words, The Robin’s Egg, David, and Robin are devoted to enhancing children’s lives both locally and internationally, and Universal Promise and the South Africans with whom we work are grateful to be the recipients of their goodwill. Please visit The Robin’s Egg to shop and to offer thanks for its manifestation of the humanity of Ubuntu.

ANONYMOUS SPONSORSHIP: WILL FUND LAB INTERNET FOR ONE YEAR
A loyal supporter has made an anonymous business sponsorship donation in support of our 2024 Gala. This gift will allos us to introduce children, in a careful and supervised manner, of course, to online resources that will enhance their mastery of the curriculum. Many thanks to our generous donor and friend for continuing to give selflessly by magnifying children’s access to quality education, regardless of where they may live.

GIL’S APPLIANCES: WILL FUND LAB INTERNET FOR SIX MONTHS
Their tagline is Trust, Integrity, Value, and over and over again, the leadership and staff at Gil’s Appliances live by example. It came as no surprise to us, therefore, that Gil’s Appliances stepped UP quickly to help fund our 2024 Gala. They have been steadfast in their support of our focus on education for children-in-need. Thank you, Gil’s Appliances, for marrying your words and your deeds.

SIMMONS ASSOCIATES, LTD: WILL FUND LAB INTERNET FOR SIX MONTHS
Simmons Associates, Ltd. is a business and finance focused law firm that for over 35 years has been advising and representing a wide range of clients in various industries. Many entrepreneurs, corporations, financial institutions, banks, private equity, and private market investors have come to look to and rely upon Simmons Associates for their counsel and focus on each client’s distinctive needs and goals. We are certainly grateful that Simmons Associates, Ltd. supports organizations that provide educational opportunities for children “to reach their full potential and become leaders in their communities.” Simmons Associates, Ltd. also shared that “[they] are continually impressed by the impact Universal Promise makes in the lives of the children and their families in South Africa,” which inspired them to step UP as business sponsors this year. Thank you!