November 18, 2011

Almost 300 people who share the Women’s Fund’s belief in investing in the future of the women and girls in our community attended the fourth Trailblazers Awards Luncheon on Friday, November 18 at the Desmond Hotel & Conference Center. They joined Honorary Committee Co-Chairs, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson and Jan Smith, as the Women’s Fund of the Capital Region recognized three outstanding women as the 2011 Trailblazers.

A.C. Riley
Community and Civic Leader

Ruth H. Mahoney
President, KeyBank Hudson Valley/Metro New York

Julie Massry Knox
Sales and Marketing Manager, Tri City Rentals

Several of the scholarship recipients from The Women's Fund new Education Initiative were also honored at the luncheon. A scholarship recipient from Hudson Valley Community College received a standing ovation after her inspiring speech about her difficult journey to better life for herself and her daughter. Click here to read this wonderful speech. Also honored at the luncheon were Kathleen Brundige and Maria Sifontes, from HVCC, and Nelka Cotto, from Schenectady County Community College.

Our emcee was Dori Marlin, CBS6 Nerws Anchor.

We also celebrated five years of ground-breaking achievements by the Women's Fund of the Capital Region. Since our inception in 2006, we have awarded over $200,000 in scholarships and grants to organizations that help and support women and girls make meaningful changes to enhance their economic futures.

Proceeds from the luncheon will enable us to expand our new, three-pronged education initiative, providing motivated but struggling women with scholarships, emergency financial assistance, and mentoring. To date, the Fund has awarded scholarships to 14 women attending Hudson Valley Community College and Schenectady County Community College—giving them the opportunity to realize their goal of a college degree and become role models for a new generation to follow their paths.

The success of this event was due in large measure to The Women’s Fund’s Events Committee, chaired by Founding 500 member Lucy Larner, and The Women’s Fund’s Steering Committee.

Raffle to Support our Education Initiative

David Yurman

4mm Diamond Metro Bangle

Sterling silver bangle with pave diamonds. 0.312 total carat weight. Value: $925

Raffle Tickets: $5 each, $20 for 5
Raffle Sponsor: Frank Adams Jewelers

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