Girls Inc. of SWCT and State of Connecticut recognize the contribution of statewide honorees

May 20, 2010 - PRLog -- Girls Incorporated of Southwestern Connecticut held its annual fundraiser and awards gala celebrating 146 years of empowering and educating girls on Sunday, May 16th 2010, at The Waterview in Monroe CT. The Keynote was esteemed 26 –season and twelve time  Ivy League title winner, Dartmouth Women’s Basketball   Head Coach, Christine ( Chris) Weiglus who in theme of Celebrate Girls Who Go The Distance shared with the guests that ‘the most positive impact and great achievement comes when you stay on course and work towards the improvement of others.’

Proceeds from the event go towards funding for girls programs.  The gala showcased and saluted the valuable work and contribution of Southwestern CT girls, women, parents, community partners, and volunteers who exemplify the core mission to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Girls Inc. of SWCT honored with the Miriam N. Camp Woman of the Year Award three woman leaders, Anne Day of Lakeville; International Photojournalist and Olympus Visionary, Mary Grey Lanza of Southington; current Board President of Girls Inc. of Southwestern CT, and Adrienne Parkmond, Esq. of Waterbury; Law Professor and Executive Vice President of Bridgeport based, The Workplace Inc.

The organization presented its first annual Patricia H. Mayfield Volunteer Award (named after former CT Commissioner of Labor and Girls Inc. Trustee in Memoriam) to Rita Hubbard of Greater Waterbury and Julie DesChamps of Greater Greenwich, CT. Other designations were made to Teen Leader of the Year, high school student and Girls Inc. National Scholarship winner, Giselle Munoz, and Southwestern CT Girl of the Year, 11 year old Megan Root of Norwalk.  Emily Benton of Waterbury was recognized as 2010 GIRLSTART Girl of The Year (voted on an chosen by Girls Inc. of SWCT’s 6-11 year old members),  the newly designated Girls Inc. Parent of The Year was awarded to , Lou  Macary of Waterbury  and, Community Partner of  The Year, awards went to  the Greenwich Housing Authority and the Watertown  Recreation Department.

Girls Inc. also issued Official Connecticut State Citations  received from the Attorney General’s Office  to each honoree for their “significant contributions and dedication to empowering girls.”

This year’s Celebrate Girls Gala Chair was Ruth Grey of Southington who also serves as Girls Inc. of SWCT Board Trustee and Secretary.   Lead sponsors of the event were Diageo, Webster Bank, and the Wohlberg family of Darien CT.

Girls Inc. of SWCT CEO, Adrienne Wallace said, “This year's honorees are absolute proof that there is nothing that we cannot overcome when we care more than the average person, never assume that we can’t, take anything personally and spend a bit more time, go a bit out of our way and work harder together. We are delighted to be able to acknowledge their kindness, innovation, philanthropy and resilience in our communities and their absolute dedication to inspiring and creating an equitable society full of opportunity for all girls."

Girls Incorporated is a national non-profit organization dating back to 1864 that inspires all girls to be strong, smart and bold. Girls Inc. of Southwestern Connecticut offers services from lower and mid Fairfield County to the Greater Waterbury area and provides vital educational and social programs to girls.  Girls Inc.’s, innovative programs help girls confront subtle societal messages about their value and potential, and prepare them to lead successful, independent, and fulfilling lives. The organization’s mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold.

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Girls Incorporated is a national non-profit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart and bold.