Baby Steps to Hold Fundraiser at Atlantic Beach Club

Baby Steps, a program for parents with children from birth to age three, will hold its annual fundraiser on Thursday, April 19, at the Atlantic Beach Club, Purgatory Road, Middletown, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

As Baby Steps focuses on preparing the very young children for success in pre-kindergarten and beyond, the funds raised through this evening’s event will help provide field trips and supplies for the various projects in which the children and their families engage at the monthly sessions, which take place at the Houlihan Gym in the

At the Saturday meetings, Baby Steps staff of volunteers provides breakfast and presents professionals who address the parents about communication, social/emotional growth, and various learning styles.  The youngsters hear stories read by a children’s librarian from and learn songs led by one of the local music educators.

In its first three years, Baby Steps has taken the children and their families to and Buttonwood Zoo in New Bedford, and has hosted a summer cookout. 

Baby Steps is chaired by board president and founder Dr. Charles Shoemaker, a member of the Newport School Committee, and is directed by a board that represents various service organizations, active and retired educators, and parents.  Each presentation focuses on the organization’s belief that every child must be given the opportunity to progress from early childhood education through preparation for a career.  As one parent described it—“Baby Steps to Success.”

A pasta dinner will be served and music provided by DJ Sanchez. Tickets for $25 may be ordered through the nonprofit organization’s website, www.babysteps-ri.org/wp, or by contacting board member Linda Finn (258-6851 or lindaf6@cox.net).