United Way Is Seeking Women And Girls

Whose Volunteer Efforts Are Making A Difference

Do you know a teen girl or woman in Newtown who is making a difference in the lives of women and girls?

 The United Way of Western Connecticut and Danbury Fair Mall would like to hear about amazing women (18 and older) and girls age 13–17 to honor with its Women of Impact award. Nominations should reflect a dedication to improving other women’s lives by increasing self-sufficiency or improving access to education and health care. Efforts can include volunteering, advocating, or fundraising. Nominees must reside in the nine-town region of greater Danbury.

Nominations are being accepted through September 29, and can be submitted to United Way online at UWWesternCT.org at Danbury Fair Mall Guest Services.

In 500 words or less, those offering a nomination will need to explain why their nominee should be spotlighted as a United Way Woman of Impact, and how she is making a difference in her community through volunteering, advocating, or raising money for a cause. The cause must be in the areas of education, income, or health.

Criteria for selection includes:

1. Nominee makes a positive difference in her community;

2. Nominee’s community effort is related to improving women or girls lives in the areas of income, education or health;

3. Nominee is making a difference by volunteering, advocating, or giving; and

4. Nominee cannot receive compensation for the services she provides to her cause.

Twenty finalists will be chosen from the nominations, with representation of all nine towns (Danbury will be represented with two adult and two young adult winners). On Saturday, November 8, Danbury Fair will host a day of beauty and a starring role in a fashion show themed “What’s Your Style?,” transforming ten women and ten teen girls from amazing role models to runway models. Finalists will have an opportunity to highlight the cause that they are personally committed to.

 “At the United Way we believe everyone deserves opportunities to have a good life,” said Kim Morgan, vice president of communications for the United Way of Western Connecticut. “The Women of Impact Award is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on women and girls who are going above and beyond to help others in their community. We want to give these women some recognition and highlight the service they are selflessly providing to people in need.”

 Through a nationwide partnership with the Step Up for Women Network, Danbury Fair and its parent company, Macerich, are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of women. Danbury Fair’s partnership with United Way to honor local women brings together the center’s local and global philanthropic commitments.