The Empowerment Factory (TEF), a nonprofit focused on providing youth with the skills needed to lead happier, healthier, more empowered lives, will host its annual Meet Me at the Met fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. on May 21, 2025, at The Met, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Attendees will enjoy local food, fun, raffles and live music by The New Providence Big Band. An online auction began last month for participants to bid on weekend getaways, local designer items, theatre tickets and more.

“The best investment of time and treasure,” says Cheryl Merchant, CEO of Taco Comfort Solutions, who is co-chairing the event along with company Executive Chairman John Hazen White Jr., and are both long-time supporters, “is in our youth. That is why we support The Empowerment Factory. It works every day to ensure our young people are happy, healthy and empowered. The work The Empowerment Factory does—combining art and literacy—is making a tremendous impact on young lives.”

TEF provides programming and events for K-8 students primarily in Pawtucket, Central Falls and Providence. Its unique approach to supporting at-risk students is achieved through accessible enrichment programming that blends social emotional learning, art, literacy and environmental education. In its 11-year history, more than 8,500 youth have benefited from free community programming that has placed them on a positive learning trajectory.