BIRA works collaboratively with other non-profit organizations on the Island to provide additional resources and support where needed.
Community Support – 2025-2026
BI School Trip to St. Croix
BIRA supported a field trip to St. Croix for BI School 10th graders. The students spent a week working with the St. Croix Nature Conservancy staff to learn about safeguarding the waters and land, habitat restoration, coral innovation projects, and studying biogeography and environmental issues.
BI Health Services
Each year, BIRA is pleased to support Block Island Health Services. The Medical Center was opened in 1989 as a result of Islanders who understood the need and came forward with the means to build the Block Island Medical Center. We are proud that our annual support allows BIHS to carry out its mission to provide the Block Island community with needed healthcare helping to ensure its safety and well-being.
Community Service Award
Each year, BIRA recognizes a Block Island School graduate, who is continuing to post-secondary education (2- or 4-year college, trade school or technical school), and who has made significant contributions to the Block Island Community through their time, actions, talents, and dedication. In 2025, BIRA was pleased to recognize graduating student Emily Helterline.
Deer Management
BIRA supports Island hunters and efforts to reduce the deer herd by paying the disposal fees for deer waste at the Block Island Recycling and Management (BIRM). These fees typically range between $1,000 and $1,500. At our meeting this past September, Dr. Sam Telford, Professor of Infectious Disease and Global Health at Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine, was our guest speaker. His talk, “Lyme and Other BI Tick-Borne Diseases: Causes, Prevention, and Potential Solutions” can be viewed on the BIRA YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@BIRA02807
End of Summer Beach Picnic/ Dinner for International Students/Workers
BIRA sponsored the end of summer Beach Picnic/ Dinner for International Students/Workers and it was a tremendous success. There was a bonfire (beach fire permit in place), beach picnic supper of hamburgers and hot dogs, brownies and cookies, watermelon etc. DJ Martin Rosato provided music and everyone sang songs from their own countries. Of course, there was dancing and even a fire dancer!
BIRA Board Member, Susan Matheke who has been an active volunteer for several years, supporting the weekly Tuesday night dinners at the Harbor Church commented, “All summer we had between 80 and 100 student/workers at the Tuesday dinners. Many of the students expressed their appreciation for the dinners and a place to come together. The Donation from BIRA was well spent!”
Block Island School Drama Department
Each year, students from grades 3 through 12 come together to bring stories to life on stage — not just as performers, but as sound and lighting technicians, costume designers, set builders, and decorators. This program runs from October through May and provides a creative outlet and learning experience for students of all ages. BIRA is pleased to be supporting this important program for its 2025-2026 season.
Helping Hands
Each year, BIRA is pleased to support Helping Hands of Block Island Inc. Their primary mission is to combat food insecurity by operating a food bank, sourcing supplies from donations and charitable organizations. Additionally, they extend their support to the local public school, providing supplemental snacks, ensuring that even on Block Island, no one goes hungry.
Lunch at the Community Center
Each year, BIRA is happy to sponsor Chef George Dodge’s Lobster Roll 🦞 luncheon in May at the Community Center for the final Lunch Bunch luncheon of the season and we’re pleased to see so many BIRA members, including former BIRA Board members, in attendance.
Summer Entertainment on the Beach
BIRA sponsored two family-friendly events at the Fred Benson Town Pavilion this summer.
- Blues on the Block
- Soundwave’s Movies on the Beach