Girl Within Event

Join us to enable young women and girls in Greater Hartford to become resilient, confident and independent, and to help heal those who have experienced abuse and neglect.

Friday, December 4, 2026
11:00am-
1:00pm
Connecticut Convention Center

Sponsorship Opportunities

Opportunities

You will receive premier recognition throughout the event, including logo lockup on the invitation, event emails and social media promotions, the event program cover and other event materials. Sponsorship includes a center-spread ad in the event program, recognition from the podium, a speaking opportunity during the event, complimentary parking, access to the welcome reception and 30 guest seats. Recognition will also be included in press materials, on our website and in our annual report.

As a platinum sponsor, you will receive recognition throughout the event, including logo placement in the event program and event communications, recognition from the podium and inclusion in press materials, on our website and in our annual report. Sponsorship includes a full-page inside cover ad in the event program, complimentary parking, access to the welcome reception and 20 guest seats.

As a gold sponsor, you will receive recognition throughout the event, including logo placement in the event program and event communications, recognition from the podium and inclusion in press materials, on our website and in our annual report. Sponsorship includes a full-page ad in the event program, complimentary parking, access to the welcome reception and 20 guest seats.

As a silver sponsor, you will receive recognition throughout the event, including logo placement in the event program, recognition from the podium and inclusion in press materials, on our website and in our annual report. Sponsorship includes a half-page ad in the event program, complimentary parking, access to the welcome reception and 10 guest seats.

As the parking sponsor, you will receive recognition throughout the event, including listings on the invitation and event communications, recognition from the podium and inclusion in press materials, on our website and in our annual report. Sponsorship also includes a half-page ad in the event program, complimentary parking, access to the welcome reception and five guest seats.

As the Woman of the Year sponsor, your support will help celebrate an extraordinary woman whose leadership and service have made a meaningful impact in the community. Sponsorship includes recognition throughout the event, including listings on the invitation and event communications, recognition from the podium and inclusion in press materials, on our website and in our annual report. Benefits also include a full-page ad in the event program, complimentary parking, access to the welcome reception and two guest seats.

As the Young Woman of the Year sponsor, your support will help recognize and celebrate an inspiring young leader making a difference in the community. Sponsorship includes recognition throughout the event, including listings on the invitation and event communications, recognition from the podium and inclusion in press materials, on our website and in our annual report. Benefits also include a half-page ad in the event program, complimentary parking, access to the welcome reception and two guest seats.

As a bronze sponsor, you will receive recognition throughout the event, including listings in the event program and event communications, recognition from the podium and inclusion in press materials, on our website and in our annual report. Sponsorship includes a quarter-page ad in the event program, complimentary parking, access to the welcome reception and 10 guest seats.

As a patron sponsor, you will receive recognition throughout the event, including listings in the event program and event communications and inclusion in press materials, on our website and in our annual report. Sponsorship includes an eighth-page ad in the event program, complimentary parking, access to the welcome reception and 10 guest seats.

As a table sponsor, you will receive recognition through a listing in the event program and inclusion in press materials, on our website and in our annual report. Sponsorship also includes complimentary parking, access to the welcome reception and 10 guest seats.

As a challenge sponsor, you will receive recognition through a listing in the event program and inclusion in press materials, on our website and in our annual report.

Registration

Click here if you are unable to attend the event but would like to make a donation.

At The Village for Families & Children 25th annual Girl Within fundraiser on December 5, donors and corporate sponsors raised more than $250,000 to provide critical support to women and girls in Greater Hartford who have been affected by trauma.

It was the most successful event in Girl Within’s 25-year history, raising a record total to support a range of services at The Village that help women and girls overcome challenges and gain confidence, independence and hope.

More than 600 guests heard inspiring stories from Village clients and powerful remarks from this year’s honorees.

A History of Serving Young Women & Girls

Founded in 1809, The Village has a long history of helping young women and girls who need guidance and support to become resilient, confident and independent, and those who have experienced abuse and neglect to heal. Proceeds from the event support early intervention, educational and empowerment programs for young women, girls and their families, as well as therapeutic, residential and educational support in safe, caring environments. The mission of The Village is to build a community of strong, healthy families who protect and nurture children. We are now pleased to extend our exceptional care to adults by offering mental health counseling and substance abuse treatment.

Woman of the Year

Each year, a woman is honored at the event for her extraordinary service to girls and young women. The Woman of the Year is a volunteer who advocates for at-risk girls and young women, motivates and inspires young women to realize their potential, creates meaningful opportunities for the community to support programs that serve young women and has had a transformative effect on a young woman’s life.

Past Women of the Year

Evelyn Johnson: 2025 Girl Within Woman of the Year

2025

Evelyn Johnson

2024

Lhakpa Sherpa

2023

Jessica Zachs

2022

Jennifer Steadman, Ph.D.

Paula S. Gilberto, 2021 Girl Within Woman of the Year

2021

Paula S. Gilberto

Past Young Women of the Year

Marisa Caponetti: 2025 Girl Within Young Woman of the Year

2025

Marisa Caponetti

2024

Bella Longo

2023

Grace DiTunno

2022

Shaniece Nugent

Saher Ashraf, 2021 Girl Within Young Woman of the Year

2021

Saher Ashraf

Past Women of the Year

2020

Racquel Santana

2019

Dr. Estela López

2018

Carrie Firestone

2017

Francine Christiansen

2016

Alison Coolbrith

Past Young Women of the Year

2019

Phoebe Rotelli

Past Women of the Year

2015

Carle Mowell

2013

Linda Carlson

2012

Sallie Norris

2011

Janet Bailey

Related news

December 5, 2025
At The Village for Families & Children 25th annual Girl Within fundraiser on December 5, donors and corporate sponsors raised more than $250,000 to provide critical support to women and ...
November 20, 2025
The Village’s annual Girl Within event on Friday, December 5, will raise funds that help women and girls in Greater Hartford—who have been affected by trauma and other challenges—through life-changing ...
December 9, 2024
At The Village for Families & Children’s annual Girl Within fundraiser on Friday, December 6, donors and corporate sponsors raised a record-breaking $211,000 to provide critical support to women and ...

Girl Within Committee

Chairs: Carrie Casciani and Wanita Thorpe

Members:

Carlene Bush, Arlene Carr, Jeanmarie Cooper, Diane Lipes, Rachel MacDonald, Kathleen Malet, Patricia Marealle, Andrea Oddi, Bonnie Parry, Janet Porriello and Damaris Rivera