PHOTOS: Ten Outstanding Women Honored at Greenwich YWCA’s 2017 Spirit of Greenwich Awards

YWCA’s 2017 Spirit of Greenwich Awards. Sept 27, 2017 Photo: Asher Almonacy

Under a beautiful September sky at the Greenwich Country Club, the YWCA 2017 Spirit of Greenwich Award was presented to ten outstanding women on Wednesday.

“Every year, the Spirit Committee receives a profusion of nominations from nonprofit organizations and community members, which is a testament to the many powerful and passionate women in our community,” said Karen Morstad, YWCA Board Chair.

YWCA’s 2017 Spirit of Greenwich Awards. Sept 27, 2017 Photo: Asher Almonacy

Over the last 23 years, YWCA Greenwich has honored more than 165 local women for their long-term vision, dedication and commitment to transforming the lives of others in our community.

Together, this year’s recipients have volunteered for more than 60 local schools, churches and non-profit organizations in Greenwich and Fairfield County.

YWCA’s 2017 Spirit of Greenwich Awards. Sept 27, 2017 Photo: Asher Almonacy

The 2017 Spirit of Greenwich honorees are Kim Augustine, Jenny Adams Baldock, Vicki Craver, Cathy Dann, Laura Holland Geffs, Eileen Grasso, Lynn VK Hagerbrant, Wendy Stapleton Reyes, Heidi Brake Smith, and Jill Weiner.

“These honorees are extremely talented women who have chosen to utilize their talents and their efforts in the most unselfish and priceless way,” said Mary Lee Kiernan, President and CEO, YWCA Greenwich, “and that is to help others in need in this community and beyond.”

YWCA’s 2017 Spirit of Greenwich Awards. Sept 27, 2017 Photo: Asher Almonacy

Among the many guests were Connecticut State Representative, Livvy Floren, and First Selectman, Peter Tesei. Organizations that have benefited from their commitment to philanthropy include Americares, American Red Cross, Breast Cancer Alliance, Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, Fairfield County’s Community Foundation Fund for Women & Girls, Greenwich Alliance for Education, Greenwich Coalition to Combat Under Age Drinking, Greenwich International Film Festival, Greenwich United Way, Junior League of Greenwich, Meals on Wheels, Michael J. Fox Foundation, Parkinson’s Disease Association, and many others.

The 2017 Spirit Co-Chairs were former honorees Dee Mayberry, Sandra R. Herman, Ellen Schapps Richman, Sharon Phillips and YWCA Board member, Lauren Walsh.