At The Village’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 girls in Greater Hartford, who have been affected by trauma and other challenges, through life-changing services at The Village.
The event raised its highest amount ever in its twenty-four-year history. Nearly 500 guests attended to hear inspiring stories from Village clients who have overcome adversities, as well as this year’s honorees.
2024 Woman of the Year Lhakpa Sherpa inspired us with her resilience and determination.
2024 Young Woman of the Year Isabella Longo inspired us with her efforts to support her peers’ mental health.
Gyllian inspired us with her perseverance and strength as she confronted her trauma.
Kaiya inspired us with her newfound confidence and Valerie inspired us with her dedication to helping Kaiya thrive.
Presenting Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Cigna
Silver Sponsors
All Waste, Inc., Arbella Insurance Foundation, Ares Management, Carrie & Chris Casciani, Beth & Rick Costello, Fairview, KPMG LLP, Liberty Bank, Max Cares Foundation, OneDigital
Woman of the Year Sponsor Sponsor
Zachs Family Foundation
Bronze Sponsors
Chubb, CohnReznick, Ernst & Young, GOYA, George & Diana Jepsen, KeyBank Foundation, PwC, Risk Strategies, Robinson & Cole, LLP, Rossmore Private Capital, Smith Brothers Insurance, Talcott Financial
Patron Sponsors
CLA, Connecticut Health Foundation, David & Jan Klein, Mike and Karen Zurcher
Girl Within Committee
Chairs: Jeanmarie Cooper and Carrie Casciani
Members: Carlene Bush, Arlene Carr, Diane Lipes, Patricia Marealle, Rachel MacDonald, Bonnie Parry, Janet Porriello and Damaris Rivera
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.
2021
Paula S. Gilberto
2020
Racquel Santana
2019
Dr. Estela López
2018
Carrie Firestone
2017
Francine Christiansen
2016
Alison Coolbrith
2015
Carle Mowell
2014
2013
Linda Carlson
2012
Sallie Norris
2011
Janet Bailey
Past Young Women of the Year
2023
Grace DiTunno
2022
Shaniece Nugent
2021
Saher Ashraf
2019
Phoebe Rotelli
