Girls Inc. of Southwestern Connecticut Hosts Annual "Celebrate Girls" Gala on May 16

May 7, 2010 - PRLog -- Girls Incorporated of Southwestern Connecticut is celebrating 146 years of empowering and educating girls. On Sunday, May 16th 2010, the organization will hold its annual awards and fundraiser at The Waterview in Monroe CT.

The  semi formal gala will raise funding for girls programs and showcase and salute the valuable work and contribution of girls, women, parents, community partners, and volunteers who exemplify the core mission to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Girls Inc. is honoring with the Miriam N. Camp Woman of the Year Award three extraordinary and accomplished woman leaders, Anne Day, International Photojournalist and Olympus Visionary, Mary Grey Lanza, Board Chair and President of Girls Inc. of Southwestern CT, and Adrienne Parkmond, Esq., Law Professor and Executive Vice President of Bridgeport based, The Workplace Inc.

This year’s keynote speaker is the distinguished  Chris Wielgus, Head Coach of Dartmouth Women’s Basketball.   Gala Chair is Ruth Grey, a resident of Southington, CT, Girls Inc. Board Trustee and Secretary.

The organization will also present its first annual Patricia H. Mayfield Volunteer Award to Rita Hubbard of Greater Waterbury and Julie DesChamps of Greater Greenwich, CT. Other award designations will be made such as Teen Leader of the Year to be awarded to Sacred Heart High school and Girls Inc. National Scholarship winner, Giselle Munoz, and Southwestern CT Girl of the Year, 12 year old  Megan Root of Norwalk,  Emily Benton of Waterbury as  the 2010 GIRLSTART Girl of The Year (voted on an chosen by Girls Inc. of SWCT 6-11 year old members), Parent of The Year, Lou Macary and, Community Partners of  The Year, Greenwich Housing Authority and Watertown Parks and Recreation.

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, 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 creating an equitable society full of opportunity for girls."

Since the organization’s service territory spans from its original service base in Waterbury southbound to mid and lower Fairfield County, Girls Inc. has chosen The Waterview as its venue for this gala. It sits in the very middle of Girls Inc.’s major counties of service and is a beautifully inspiring venue for a spring gala and fundraiser. This years’ theme is “Celebrate Girls Who Go The Distance” to salute the contribution of those who go above and beyond in their roles in their community, professions, families, and in service to Girls Inc. of Southwestern Connecticut over time.

The gala will take place from 4PM – 8PM. Tickets are $90 per person, $60 for youth under 15. Group tables that seat 10 are also available at a discounted rate of $850 if purchased by May 10th. To support Girls Inc. and attend Celebrate Girls, sponsor, secure an ad to promote your business and salute honorees or donate to the programs, please call Girls Inc. at 203-756-4639 or email, info@girlsincswct.org.

Diageo North America, Webster Bank NA and  The Wohlberg family of Darien have provided sponsorship support for  this year’s Gala. All proceeds will support Girls Incorporated of Southwestern Connecticut after and summer school programs for underserved girls, academic and program support scholarships, the 2011 Girls Inc.  Global Community Service trip to Africa for 11 girls, and ongoing operational expenses.

Girls Incorporated is a national non-profit organization; 501 (c) 3 that inspires all girls to be strong, smart and bold. The organization’s roots date back to 1864 with the Southwestern Connecticut lead office in Waterbury, CT being the original building where it all began. 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.

Cost Tickets are $90 per person, $60 for youth under 15. Group rates available. Location
The Waterview
215 Roosevelt Dr. Route 34
Monroe, CT
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Girls Incorporated is a national non-profit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart and bold.