The Woman Of the Year Gala was held at the Torrington Country Club on May 12th where several women were recongized for their dedication to our community.
Katherine Marchand-Beyer was awarded 2017's Women Of the Year. Katherine is the Director of Community Support at LARC where she oversees the Day Services Program, Recreation, Transition Program and Camp MOE. She has been volunteering for years and began her career at LARC in November of 1974. She has also been involved in the Special Olympics, as the Area Director for Litchfiled County. During the summer Katherine is the camp director at Camp MOE, she works long, tiresome hours to help benefit the camp. Katherine and her Husband, Chuck are also involved with United Way by fundraising for the campaign. She and her husband are also members of our Leaders Circle.
2017 Best Supporting Role went to Altrusa International, Litchfield County. This is a non-profit whose mission it is "to enhance the quality of life through service" Chartered in November of 1995, this club has a history rich in rasising funds and volunteering countless hours to support a variety of projects and causes throughout Northwestern Connecticut. Altrusa has been supporting Camp MOE, LARC festival of Trees, St. Judes Telethon, The Tour of Litchfield Hills, Christmas Village Cocoa Booth, Torrington's Community Tag Sale. Park & Rec Department, Two Hearts Pregnancy Center, Making Strides Against Breat Cancer, Dress for Success, Friendly Hands Back to School Drive, and Opertaion Overflow along with many others. They have initiated the Teddy Bear Project, where the memebers of the group purchase teddy bears to be given out by first responders to children involved in accidents or domestic situations.
Best Supporting Woman in the Role of the Arts is Isabel Carrington, Director of Education for the Warner Theatre since 2003. She worked diligently to expand the arts curriculum with dance, music, visual technical and writing programs. She also has developed a successful Artist-In-Residence program. With her passion to serve all, Isabel has partnered with state organizations to bring arts awareness and education outreach opportunities to children and adults from all demographics and socio-economic backgrounds.
The Best Supporting Woman in the Role of Business is Kara Oneglia, a Vice President of O&G Industries, Inc. Kara manages all aspects of the masonry division including sales, production, materials handlimg, and delivery. She leads by example by treating others with respect while maintaing professionalism as a woman and business leader in the community, Kara takes pride in knowing she has been blessed with the opportunity to carry out the family legacy that was built through hard work and dedication.
Thank you to everyone who attended the event and to those who contributed with their hard work, cash donations, or by providing a raffle gift.