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When native Rhode Islanders Mary Jean “MJ” Miniati and Vincent Prattico first met, each had experienced profound loss. Vinny had lost his wife of 27 years, and MJ, her husband and her cherished son, Alex. Yet despite tragedy, MJ and Vinny managed to find each other and a renewed sense of joy, connected by mutual friends and bound by shared values, faith, and love of family. When they married in June of this year, they realized they already had everything they needed. 

Rather than accept wedding gifts, the couple chose to direct them to the Rhode Island Foundation to establish the Share the Joy Charitable Fund, supporting causes deeply meaningful to them: the Alex's Smile Fund at Meeting Street School and the Christian Brothers Academy in Albany, New York. 

MJ’s son, Alex Miniati, was born with quadriplegic cerebral palsy and passed away suddenly at age four and a half. Though he couldn't walk or talk, his infectious smile and joyful spirit touched everyone who knew him. "Even though he was never able to speak, he taught me more about life than any single person," MJ reflects. "He was truly happy with what he had—family and friends." 

As a tribute to her son, MJ established the Alex's Smile Fund at Meeting Street School while her son was a student there, and together they raised funds to build Meeting Street's therapeutic pool, now used daily by hundreds of children and which supports the school’s aquatic therapy program.

Vinny's commitment to Christian Brothers Academy honors his late wife, also a former board member. The school provided the couple’s sons with a strong foundation and leadership skills, and the Pratticos were dedicated to raising money to assist students with tuition costs, particularly for students who were musicians, like their youngest son. Explains Vinny, “We realized there were a lot of scholarships for athletes, but not many for those who were musicians.” 

Introduced to the work of the Rhode Island Foundation by MJ's brother Peter, a professional advisor, MJ and Vinny found what they envisioned. "The Fund was exactly what we had in mind…we're not rich; we don't have a ton of money," MJ shares. "We've worked hard, and we just want to give back because we have enough." 

Now both retired, they hope to inspire others. "Regular folks who aren't incredibly wealthy can still be philanthropic and create a legacy," MJ emphasizes. "For us, much joy has come from much sadness. This helps keep our loved ones' memories alive."