About Gail Badessa

Gail Badessa was a very special person, who despite her disabilities had a zest for life to include music, dancing, travel and family. Gail had a range of disabilities and physical limitations. However, she ultimately was also diagnosed with a rare lung disease and passed away from complications of the disease at age 42. In her memory, spurwink|ri has chosen to establish a fund to create cultural opportunities for children and adults with disabilities and behavior disorders. Gail would be proud that others could have the opportunities available to them to enjoy life in the same way that she was able. She is greatly missed, but her legacy lives on in others who are emulating her full and happy life. spurwink|ri came to know Gail through her sister, Paula, who at the time was an employee of the agency. Paula is now a member of spurwink|ri’s Board of Directors. Gail will always be remembered with the establishment of The Gail Badessa Memorial Fund for Cultural Experiences, and spurwink|ri is proud to offer its grant opportunities to all Rhode Islanders - children and adults - with developmental disabilities and behavior disorders.

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Mission/Purpose

spurwink|ri is pleased to present The Gail Badessa Memorial Fund for Cultural Experiences. This fund will offer cultural opportunities in the areas of arts, music, sports and education and/or cultural experiences through travel for children and adults with developmental disabilities and/or behavior disorders throughout Rhode Island. It is our hope that such a fund will further enrich the lives of adults and children with disabilities and/or behavior disorders by allowing them access to financial resources and cultural experiences that may not be available otherwise.