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WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP COUNCIL 

LUNCHEON AND AUCTION 

FEATURING FARNOOSH TORABI 

JUNE 3, 2013

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Photo Release: United Way may use images or likenesses of attendees taken in photos 

for promotional purposes in print and electronic communications. 

Names and addresses will not be used. 

2 Women’s Leadership Council

11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. 

Silent Auction 

Noon-1:30 p.m. 

Power of the Purse 

Program and 

Luncheon 

Welcome 

Janet Flagg-Rawlins and Susan Christensen Stoner 

Event Co-chairs 

Noreen Randazzo 

Table Captain Chair 

Women’s Leadership Council Story 

Meghan Lacher and Michelle Stronz 

Women’s Leadership Council Co-chairs 

Priscilla Garcia 

Program Participant 

Introduced by Heather Smiley 

MassMutual Financial Group 

Keynote Speaker 

Farnoosh Torabi 

Introduced by Rosalin Acosta 

TD Bank 


is presented by 

United Way’s Women’s 

Leadership Council. 

Until Next Year… 

Susan B. Dunn 

United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut 

Program book sponsored by 

MassMutual Financial Group 

Power of the Purse 2013 3

Special Thanks to Those Leading the Action 

Power of the Purse Committee 

Janet Flagg-Rawlins 

Susan Christensen Stoner 

Event Co-chairs 

Roxanna Booth Miller 


Stacy Silk-Rome 

Michelle Stronz 

Table Captains 

Marie Bonelli 

Lesa Cavallero-Laraia 

Melanie Cecarelli* 

Susan Christensen Stoner 

Francine Christiansen 

Traci Coiro 

Kate Conway* 

Lana Crowder 

Marianne Downie 

Susan B. Dunn* 

Jody Ferrer 

Janet Flagg-Rawlins* 

Kelly Freda 

Liz Gagne* 

Paula Gilberto* 

Lorraine Hrticko 

Karlene Joseph 

Kathy Keeler 

Sue Ellen Kerr 

Rebecca Kuzma 

Meghan Lacher 

Peg Lesiak 

Karmela Malone 

Roxanna Booth Miller* 

Kathy Minck 

Natalie Morris 

Maureen Mosca 

Laurie Nobilski 

April Oyler 

Margaret Pappas 

Louise Pisarski 


Susan Reardon 

Kamarlia Reid 

Karin Reinhardt 

Gilda Roncari 

Cynthia Ryan* 

Laura Schmelter 

Karen Schoenrock 

Bree Scott-Pelczar 

Michelle Stronz 

Millie Texidor 

Susan Vailette 

Rosemary Wall 

Bill Wiltz 

*Table Sponsors 

Volunteers 

Mary Blazek 

Nancy Burt 

Rebekah Castagno 

Ashley Clark 

Kathryn Colli 

Stacy Defaranos 

Jane DiMartin 

Bryan Durfer 

Mary Goodwin 

Corryne Hamilton 

Miriam Hyman 

Ari Koplowitz 

Delly London 

Nicolle Lupachino 

Janell McCovey 

Laura O’Keefe 

Melissa Platner 

KittyJo Reynolds 

Stephanie Richardson 

Lorna Sager 

Saba Shahid 

Deirdre Stolte 

Briana Taylor 


Farnoosh Torabi is a personal finance 

expert, author and TV personality. 

The New York Times calls her advice 

“perfectly practical.” 

Farnoosh 

Torabi 

She is the author of You’re So Money – 

Live Rich Even When You’re Not, a 

nationally acclaimed tell-all for young 

adults searching for financial independence. 

Her latest book, Psych Yourself 

Rich: Get The Mindset & Discipline You 

Need to Build Your Financial Life is an 

Amazon best-seller. 

Farnoosh is a highly sought-after speaker 

and frequent financial contributor to 

Yahoo! Finance and The Today Show. 

She currently hosts the Webby-nominated 

“Financially Fit” on Yahoo!, the #1 personal 

finance web series, teaching everyday 

Americans how to boost earnings, save 

more and spend smart. 

She attended Pennsylvania State University, 

graduating as a Schreyer Honors scholar 

in finance and international business. 

She also holds an M.S. in journalism from 

Columbia University. 



Women’s Leadership Council 

Women’s Leadership 

Council Steering 

Committee Members 

Meghan Lacher 

Co-chair, Travelers 

Michelle Stronz, PhD 

Co-chair, Epiphany 

Enterprises 

Eileen Castolene 

The Hartford Financial 

Services Group 

Francine Christiansen 

Christiansen Consulting 

Janet Flagg-Rawlins 

VA Connecticut System 

Liz Gagne 

Travelers 

Rebecca Kuzma 



Peg Lesiak 


Services Group - Retired 

Mary Ann Lubeskie 



Bonnie Malley 

The Phoenix Companies 

Karmela K. Malone 




Hartford Youth Scholar 

Foundation 




Lynn Sullivan 

TD Bank 

Who We Are 

A diverse group of women leaders who stand up and take action to 

help women and families in our community work towards financial 

security. 

What We Do 

Provide women and families with financial education and 

resources including: 

n Credit, banking and budgeting workshops 

n Tools to help families save 

n One-on-one coaching to achieve financial goals 

Thanks to the success of last year’s Power of the Purse event, the 

Women’s Leadership Council is now working with school leaders 

and nonprofit partners to offer adult financial education services 

at two family financial centers–Alfred E. Burr School and John C. 

Clark, Jr. Elementary and Middle School–two of Hartford’s 

community schools. 

Why Community Schools 

Community schools are ideal locations for engaging families. 

The schools already serve as community hubs, bringing essential 

resources and services to children and families, integrating 

supportive health and human services with academic learning. 

The work of United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council and 

partners adds adult financial education programs to the array 

of services already offered at the community schools. Services, 

which are available to parents and neighborhood residents, include 

credit and budget workshops, one-on-one financial coaching, 

volunteer income tax assistance, referral services and matched 

savings programs. 


Since 2011 the Women’s Leadership Council 

Has Helped Change Lives by: 

n Opening Hartford’s first school-based family financial centers. 

n Providing services such as financial education workshops, one-on-one coaching and Volunteer 

Income Tax Assistance (VITA). 

n Enrolling participants in matched savings accounts to help them achieve personal financial goals 

such as education, job training, housing or transportation. 

n Launching the Power of the Purse–Nearly 400 women and men attended in 2012 to support the 

inaugural event to raise awareness about the importance of helping families in our community 

to become financially secure. 

VITA Results 

386 * 

tax returns prepared 

through VITA 

$1,865 * 

total average 

refund 

$949,138 * 

total federal refunds 

and credits 

Our Partners Are: 

n Alfred E. Burr School 

n John C. Clark, Jr. Elementary and Middle School 

n Hartford Partnership for Student Success 

n The Village for Families & Children 

* Specifi c to VITA sites at Alfred E. Burr Elementary School and John C. Clark, Jr. Elementary and Middle 

School as part of the family fi nancial center services (based on 2012 and 2013). 

PUTTING THE CARING 

POWER OF WOMEN 

INTO ACTION 




Membership Has Its Benefits 

With your annual gift to United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council you will be helping families 

access financial education resources to become financially secure and achieve personal goals. 

As a member you will have the opportunity to connect and collaborate with a powerful network of 

dedicated, caring women and community leaders while demonstrating the impact women can make 

when they pool their individual talent and financial resources. 

Leadership Level 

$1,000 Annual Gift 

Friendship Level 

$500 Annual Gift 

Support Level 

$250 Annual Gift 


Connection Newsletter–Quarterly ❉ ❉ ❉ 

Invitation to Power of the Purse 

Luncheon and October Anniversary 

Celebration 

❉ ❉ ❉ 

Recognition in the Women’s Leadership 

Council Annual Report ❉ ❉ ❉ 

Volunteer Opportunities ❉ ❉ ❉ 

Committee Participation ❉ ❉ 

Invitation to National WLC Summit 

Invitation to participate in Steering 

Committee and Volunteer Leadership 

opportunities 

❉ 

❉ 

Professional development opportunities 

Recognition in United Way’s Annual 

Leadership Giving publication 

❉ 

❉ 


Thank You to 

Our Sponsors 

Title Sponsor 

Premiere Sponsor 

Platinum Sponsors 

Gold Sponsors 

The Hartford n Simsbury Bank n Travelers 

Silver Sponsors 

Connecticut Natural Gas Company n Epiphany Enterprises 

Bronze Sponsors 

Aetna n Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network (WNPR/CPTV) n Echopass 

Enterprise Rent-A-Car n Hartford Public Schools n The Phoenix Companies, Inc. 

Pratt & Whitney n Saint Francis Care n Shipman & Goodwin LLP 

United Technologies Corporation n The Village For Families & Children 

Workforce Solutions Collaborative of Metro Hartford 


Silent Auction Rules and Guidelines 

The auction is open from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. 

An announcement will be made at noon that the auction will be closing in 15 minutes. A second 

announcement will be made when the auction officially closes at 12:15 p.m. 

By participating in the Power of the Purse silent auction, each bidder agrees to the following rules. 

1. All items in the silent auction have bid sheets on their display table with a title and item number 

clearly printed on each bid sheet. Be sure to read titles prior to placing bids to ensure you are 

bidding on the correct item. 

2. When you want to bid, do so by writing your name and table number on the bid sheet opposite the 

amount you want to bid. If you are not a seated guest at the luncheon, please provide your phone 

number in lieu of a table number. 

3. Each subsequent bid must satisfy the minimum raise indicated on the bid sheet to be considered 

a “valid” entry. You may exceed the minimum raise amount. 

4. Often, items will be available for “Guaranteed Purchase.” If you write your name and table 

number/phone number opposite the amount labeled “Guaranteed Purchase” you have bought the 

item. This will conclude the bidding on that item. 

5. You may bid on any items in any silent auction section until the auction has ended at 12:15 p.m. 

6. A silent auction official will circle the top bidder name and amount at the end of the auction. You 

can see if you are the successful purchaser by looking at a copy of the silent auction bid sheet, 

which will be left in its place after the auction is closed. A representative will come to your table 

at approximately 1:10 p.m. to provide you with payment forms if you are the winner of an item. 

7. All sales are final. There are no exchanges or refunds. 

8. All items are “as is.” United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut and the Women’s 

Leadership Council have attempted to describe items correctly based on the information provided 

by donors. Bidders will be expected to read fine print included with bid sheets for any restrictions, 

exclusions, etc. 

9. The value listed is an estimate of fair market value. Items have not been appraised. The amount 

you pay above this fair market value estimate is normally tax deductible as a charitable contribution. 

Please consult your tax advisor to clarify amount of deduction. 

10. Payment for items purchased must be made in full at the auction. We accept cash, MasterCard, 

Visa, or check payable to United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. 

11. You may pick up your purchases at the silent auction tables with your payment information. Any 

item left unclaimed after 30 days, without prior arrangements, will be sold and proceeds will go 

to United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut’s Women’s Leadership Council. 

12. Each person bidding assumes all responsibilities related to the auction and items obtained at 

the auction and agrees to hold United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut and the 

Women’s Leadership Council harmless from any liability. 

13. In the event of a dispute, the Auction Chair will act as final authority. 


SHE BELIEVES IN YOU 

BECAUSE SHE CAN. 

At MassMutual, we have a long-running history 

of financial strength. You can count on us to 

continue focusing on our stability. Because we 

know who’s counting on you. 

MassMutual is a proud sponsor of the United 

Way Women’s Leadership Council “Power 

of the Purse” Luncheon. 

LIFE INSURANCE + RETIREMENT/401(K) PLAN SERVICES 

DISABILITY INCOME INSURANCE + LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE + ANNUITIES 

MassMutual Financial Group refers to Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. (MassMutual), 

its affiliated companies and sales representatives. Insurance products are issued by 

MassMutual, Springfield, MA 01111, and its subsidiaries, C.M. Life Insurance Company and 

MML Bay State Life Insurance Company, Enfield, CT 06082. CRN201501-166948 


Power_of_the_Purse_2013_Ad__BW_0413.indd 1 

4/8/13 2:53 PM 


We care. Big time. 

For over 15 years, The Pita Group has been giving time, money 

and creative work to organizations that are meaningful to us, just 

like this one. We are proud to support the Power of the Purse. 

% 860.293.0157 

thepitagroup.com 



UPS IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF: 

United Way 


“Power of the Purse” 

BUILDING STRONGER, SAFER 

COMMUNITIES AROUND THE WORLD 


TD Bank, N.A. | Equal Housing Lender 


TD Bank is proud to support the work of United Way of Central 

and Northeastern Connecticut’s Women’s Leadership Council. 

The Power of the Purse is an inspirational event bringing women 

together to raise awareness about the importance of learning 

how to become financially responsible. 

We are glad to be a part of it. 



Expert advisors who know, live 

and work in your community 

Hands-on local service 

Second home financing 

Proud to Support 

financial 

stability 

lead theway 

When it comes to your finances, chances are, you know where you want to be – but you might not 

know how to get there. That’s where we come in. As the leading bank in the Farmington Valley, 

Simsbury Bank is committed to understanding your needs and finding the solutions that fit. 

So, before we offer any advice, the first thing we do is listen. That’s the way banking should be. 

SimsburyBank.com 

860.658.2265 

MEMBER FDIC 

An investment with 

limitless returns 

At The Hartford, we’re proud to support 

organizations like the United Way of Central 

and Northeastern Connecticut. We believe 

building sustainable communities lays the 

foundation for a future of unlimited possibilities. 

thehartford.com 

“The Hartford” is The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and all of its subsidiaries. 

© 2013 The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. 


We can’t say “thank you” enough. 

Okay, one more time. Thank you. 

Hard work should never go unnoticed. We salute the 

United Way for their tireless efforts in making our community 

a great place to live. 

travelers.com 

© 2013 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks 

of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. M-16768-16 New 5-13 

Epiphany Enterprises 

Making strategy a daily act 

www.Epiphany2.net 

Supporting leaders 

making a 

difference — 

WLC Power of 

the Purse 

2013 

“Sustainable solutions for 

global organizations” 


Take charge of your 

financial future. 

Since 1894 Ameriprise Financial has helped millions of 

Americans feel more confident about their financial future. 

As an Ameriprise financial advisor, I remain true to our 

vision of always putting clients first. Discover the one-to-one 

attention you deserve, call me today at 203.378.0699. 

Thomas Collins 

6580 Main St 

Ryders Landing Ste 102 

Stratford, CT 06614 

203-378-0699 

thomas.collins@ampf.com 

www.ameripriseadvisors.com/thomas.collins 

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. 



CohnReznick is an independent 

member of Nexia International 


Independent 

Living Services 

Safely Keep Seniors Independent and at Home 

VNA HealthCare’s full range of home support services help remove 

the obstacles to independent living and make your aging loved 

ones more comfortable at home. 

Caregivers to Help with: 

· Housekeeping and Laundry · Errands · Meal Preparation 

· Companionship · Personal Care (i.e. bathing, dressing, grooming) 

· 24 Hour Live-In Care · Transportation for Errands & Appointments 

· Personal Health Care Manager to Coordinate All Health Care Needs 

· Lifeline Emergency Response System · Automated Medication 

Reminder System · Time Off/Respite Care for Caregivers 

· Companion and Sitter Service at Hospital or Skilled 

Nursing Facility · Home Delivered Meals 

For more information, please call: 

1.888.863.2771 

Independent Living Services 

www.vnahealthcare.org 


United Way Power of the Purse 4.5 x 3.5 ad 2013_Layout 1 4/10/2013 12:29 PM Page 1 

GIVE A HAND TO THOSE WHO 

UNSELFISHLY LEND ONE 

BlumShapiro proudly supports and applauds the 

contributions of those who strive to improve life for everyone. 

The passion to unlock potential 

Connecticut 

Massachusetts 

Rhode Island 

866.356.BLUM 

blumshapiro.com 


Conning is pleased to support 

United Way’s 


and the second annual 

“Power of the Purse” luncheon. 

Hartford • Purchase • London • Cologne • Hong Kong 


Naomi_POP-042613v2:Layout 1 4/29/13 11:42 AM Page 1 

“ 

I have always appreciated 

the power of jewelry. Even as a child 

I knew it was the Pop-It beads that made 

my overalls come alive. 

— naomi tussin 

” 

celebrating the power of purses. jewelry 

and women everywhere. 

naomijewelry.biz 


It’s empowering. 

Understanding and managing personal finances 

is a skill everyone deserves. 

The Village is a proud partner of the United Way and the Women’s 

Leadership Council - empowering women to gain financial security. 

For over 200 years, The Village has provided support to 

vulnerable children and families throughout Greater Hartford, 

fulfilling our mission to build a community of strong, healthy 

families who protect and nurture children. 

1680 Albany Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105 

(860) 236-4511 www.villageforchildren.org 


Proud to support 



“Power of the Purse” 

Providing Help & Creating Hope 

Serving People of all Faiths in 

102 Communities since 1920 

Administrative Offices: 

(860)493-1841 • www.ccaoh.org 

Farmington Bank is proud 

to support the community 

Personal Banking • Business Banking 

Loans • Online Banking and Bill Pay 

Toll-free 877-376-BANK | farmingtonbankct.com 

Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender 


LOCAL INITIATIVES SUPPORT CORPORATION 

Congratulations to the 

United Way of Central & Northeastern 

Connecticut 

& the Women’s Leadership Council 

for outstanding accomplishments with the 

Family Financial Stability Initiative 

at Alfred E. Burr and John C. Clark, Jr. 

Elementary Schools. 

We applaud your vision and leadership! 

People’s United 

Insurance Agency/RC Knox 

Division 

is proud to sponsor the 

United Way Women’s 

Leadership Council! 

peoples.com/insurance 

2013 POWER OF THE PURSE 

Insurance products are not deposits or other 

obligations of, or guaranteed by, the bank or 

any affiliate of the bank; are not insured by the 

FDIC or any other agency of the United States, 

the bank, or any affiliate of the bank; and 

includes possible loss of value. 

©2013 People’s United Bank 

TOGETHER 

WE ARE 

A GREATER 

HARTFORD 

FOR YOuTH DEvElOpMEnT: 

Nurturing the potential of every child and teen 

FOR HEAlTHY livinG: 

Improving the nation’s health and well-being 

FOR SOCiAl RESpOnSibiliTY: 

Giving back and providing support to 

our neighbors 

YMCA OF GREATER HARTFORD 

ghYMCA.org 

YGH 13-20-280 

YWCA Hartford Region 

is proud to support 


Women’s Leadership 

Council 


www.ywcahartford.org 

YGH 13-20-280_2X3.5_WE_ARE_GH_AD.indd 1 4/2/13 2:26 PM 


Auction Contributors as of 5/23/13 

A Little Something Bakery 

Alma Barth 

Annie’s Custom Cookies 

Bella Sophia Baking Company 

Big Y 

Body Talk Boutique 

Bree Scott-Pelczar 

Brian Boyer 

Carbone’s Ristorante 

Close to Home - 

The Sewing Center 

Clothes Mentor 

College Planning Consulting, LLC 

Comcast 

Connecticut Public Broadcasting 

Network (WNPR/CPTV) 

Cri de Coeur 

David Wilson 

Dawn Henry 

Debbie Battista 

Delly London 

Denise Cox 

DOIZPE 

Edward H. Smith, Jr. 

Erin Perlitz - Independent Sales 

Consultant for Isagenix 

Fran Platner 

Gillette Ridge Wines 

Glastonbury Jewelers 

Goodspeed Musicals 

Green Tangerine of Canton 

Gugliotti’s Salon and Spa 

Hair Perfection, LLC 

Hartford Stage 

Hayden-Harnett 

Hugh Taylor 

Infinity Music Hall and Bistro 

Jan Kritzman 

Janet and Wayne Rawlins 

JCPenney 

Jessie Pito - Independent Sales 

Consultant for Tastefully 

Simple 

Jewelry by Naomi 

Jillian Puzzo - Independent Style 

Consultant for Stella Dot 

Kathryn Dube 

Katie Hunt - Independent Sales 

Consultant for Pampered Chef 

Kimberly Boutique 

Kristen D. Walter 

LaPerla Fine Jewelers 

Laura Schmelter 

Leadership Greater Hartford 

Libby Richardson 

Lilliwanda Designs 

Lincoln Culinary Institute - 

Hartford Campus 

Lux Bond & Green 

Lynda R. Baio 

Lyn Evans Potpourri Designs 

Maggie Bags 

Marilyn Sullivan 

Mary Goodwin - 

Spruce Home & Garden 

MaryAnn Meyer 

Massage Envy 

Mechelle A. Tovar Olórtegui 

Melanie Cecarelli 

Melissa Platner 

Miya’s Sushi 

Neil Walsh Goldsmiths and Gallery 

Nelson - The Spa 

New Britain Rock Cats 

NIRO Boutique 

Novel Idea Book Purses by 

Lynette Cornwell 

Nykki Pool 

Oggi Salon & Spa 

Panache Consignment 

Pat Mezzi 

Peg Lesiak 

Plimpton’s 

Posh Tots 

Rabbit Ears Entertainment, LLC 

Real Surf Trips 

Rebecca Minkoff 

Rising Tide Fair Trade 

Robin Toomey - Independent Style 

Consultant for thirty-one 

Rosemary Wall 


Seat Pets 

Second Time Around 

Sharp Hill Designs 

Shoptimize 

Silkworm 

Stanley Black & Decker 

Susan Christensen Stoner - 

Independent CAbi Fashion 

Consultant 

The Colli Family 

The Connecticut Forum 

The Paper Station 

The Rachael Ray Show 

The Shoppes at Farmington Valley 

The Wadsworth Atheneum 

Museum of Art 

The Wendy Williams Show 

Tri-County Fitness 

Trish Eigenbrode - Style Team 

Lead of Debbie Wright’s 

Project Closet 

Warren Hardman/Max Downtown 

West Hartford Yoga 

Winding Trails 

Wise Old Dog Liquors 

Zulily 

Special Thanks Ann Taylor n Connecticut Convention Center 

CT1 Media n PSAV n The Root System 

United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut Staff 


WHAT IS THE SIGN OF A GOOD DECISION ® 

It’s realizing life is a balancing act. 

As a professional woman, there are many 

responsibilities that rest on your shoulders. 

Family. Career. Community. Self. Deep down 

inside, you know that physical and emotional 

health should be high on your priority list, 

but what about your financial well-being 

Preparing for the expected like retirement, 

or the unexpected like an illness or accident, 

may be something that you set aside to look 

into later or haven’t even thought about yet. 

Make sure your next decision is a good one. 

MassMutual is the proud sponsor of 

the United Way Women’s Leadership 

Council “Power of the Purse” Luncheon. 

LIFE INSURANCE + RETIREMENT/401(K) PLAN SERVICES + DISABILITY INCOME INSURANCE 

LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE + ANNUITIES 

MassMutual Financial Group refers to Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), 

its affiliated companies and sales representatives. Insurance products are issued by MassMutual, 

Springfield, MA 01111, and its subsidiaries, C.M. Life Insurance Company and MML Bay State 

Life Insurance Company, Enfield, CT 06082. CRN201406-161469

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