Friday, December 6, 2024

11:00am-1:00pm

Hartford Marriott Downtown – new location!

Join us to celebrate resilience and healing, hear inspiring stories and see the impact of your generosity.

2024 Woman of the Year

Lhakpa Sherpa is the world’s most decorated woman mountaineer (mountain climber), having summited Mt. Everest 10 times! She grew up in adverse conditions in Nepal where women weren’t allowed to go to school and receive an education. She overcame many obstacles including surviving domestic violence. Ms. Sherpa raised her young family in Connecticut so that they could receive an education and build resilience. Lhakpa’s story is currently being told on Netflix through the documentary “Mountain Queen.” Lhakpa and her family will join us at the Hartford Marriott Downtown on December 6, 2024.

2024 Young Woman of the Year

Isabella Longo is a senior and student leader at Newington High School. She is a member of the National Honor Society, social chair for the student council and served as her school’s Board of Education representative. Isabella is a member of the drama club, chamber choir officer and three-year captain for varsity cheerleading. She is committed to supporting her peers and founded Newington High School’s first-of-its-kind Link Crew to provide new students with mentors to guide them in their transition to high school. Isabella has recruited over 40 of her peers to become mentors to many freshmen, transfer and foreign exchange students to ensure they are connected and supported at school.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Our top sponsor will have prominent recognition throughout the event, including on the invitation, save the date and program, in press releases and event communications. Additionally, you will receive a center spread ad in the program, prominent signage at the event and a speaking opportunity during the event and 20 VIP tickets.

As a Gold Sponsor, you will receive recognition throughout the event, including on the invitation, in press releases and event communications. Additionally, you will receive a full-page ad in the program, signage at the event and 20 VIP tickets.

As a Silver Sponsor, you will receive recognition throughout the event, including on the invitation, in press releases and event communications. Additionally, you will receive a half-page ad in the program, signage at the event and 10 VIP tickets.

As a Bronze Sponsor you will receive recognition throughout the event as well as in press releases and event communications. Additionally, you will receive a quarter-page ad in the program, signage at the event and 10 VIP tickets.

As a Patron Sponsor you will receive recognition throughout the event as well as in press releases and event communications. Additionally, you will receive 10 VIP tickets.

As a Challenge Donor you will receive recognition throughout the event.

  • Center Spread Ad (10.5”w x 8”h): Reserved for Presenting Sponsor
  • Full Page Ad (5”w x 8”h): $350
  • Half Page Ad (5”w x 3.875”h): $250
  • Quarter Page (2.375”w x 3.875”h): $150

Program Booklet

  • Distribution: 500
  • Program trim size: 5.5”w x 8.5”h
  • File Format: Full color, no bleeds
  • High resolution PDF, EPS, SVG, TIFF, JPEG, PNG

Send all ad commitments by October 27 and ad copy by November 3 to Matt Southward at [email protected].

Girl Within Committee

Chairs: Jeanmarie Cooper and Carrie Casciani

Members: Carlene Bush, Arlene Carr, Diane Lipes, Patricia Marealle, Rachel MacDonald, Bonnie Parry, Janet Porriello, Damaris Rivera and Jay Shiel

2023 Girl Within Event Highlights

The Village’s largest annual fundraiser—Girl Within—returned on Friday to provide critical support to women and girls in Greater Hartford who have been affected by trauma and other mental health challenges, raising more than $200,000 to support a range of services at that help them to heal and build resilience, confidence and independence.

Nearly 500 guests attended, including U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, to hear inspiring stories from Village clients who have overcome adversities, as well as this year’s honorees, both of whom have made extensive efforts to alleviate period poverty on a national and local scale.

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

2023

Jessica Zachs

2022

Jennifer Steadman, Ph.D.

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

2021

Paula S. Gilberto

2020

Racquel Santana

2019

Dr. Estela López

2018

Carrie Firestone

2017

Francine Christiansen

2016

Alison Coolbrith

2015

Carle Mowell

2013

Linda Carlson

2012

Sallie Norris

2011

Janet Bailey

Past Young Women of the Year

2023

Grace DiTunno

2022

Shaniece Nugent

Saher Ashraf, 2021 Girl Within Young Woman of the Year

2021

Saher Ashraf

2019

Phoebe Rotelli

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