Village Donors Raise Record-Breaking $250,000 to Help Women and Girls Heal from Trauma
Evelyn Johnson and Marisa Caponetti honored for inspiring efforts to help local youth
Hartford, Conn. At The Village for Families & Children 25th annual Girl Within fundraiser on December 5, donors and corporate sponsors raised more than $250,000 to provide critical support to women and girls in Greater Hartford who have been affected by trauma.
It was the most successful event in Girl Within’s 25-year history, raising a record total to support a range of services at The Village that help women and girls overcome challenges and gain confidence, independence and hope.
More than 600 guests heard inspiring stories from Village clients and powerful remarks from this year’s honorees.
The Village named Evelyn Johnson, a community leader in Greater Hartford for 25 years, as the 2025 Girl Within Woman of the Year in honor of her inspiring efforts to empower young people across the region and advance equity through service, mentorship and advocacy.
“Evelyn Johnson exemplifies the true spirit of community and has dedicated decades to empowering girls and young women across our region. Her unwavering commitment reflects the very heart of our Girl Within event,” said Village President and CEO Hector Glynn. “We are so proud to honor Evelyn as our 2025 Woman of the Year.”
For 25 years, Johnson has held several board seats and volunteer roles where her focus has been on advocacy and mentorship for local youth. By day, Johnson is the Assistant General Counsel at The Hartford, and she also serves on the board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford and previously chaired the board of Aurora Women and Girls Foundation. Through these roles and her volunteerism with groups such as Grace Academy, the Junior League of Hartford and Faith Church Wolcott, Johnson has worked to uplift and inspire young people — especially girls and young women — for decades.
The Village also named Simsbury High School student Marisa Caponetti as the 2025 Girl Within Young Woman of the Year.
Caponetti turned a personal battle with a rare bone cancer into a powerful movement for change. Despite undergoing extensive treatment and missing school after her diagnosis, she founded “CapoStrong” and fundraised more than $125,000 for children’s cancer research at Connecticut Children’s. Now cancer-free and back in school, Marisa is an honor roll student, school club president and volunteers through her church. Her resilience and leadership continue to uplift and unite her community.
“Marisa Caponetti is a true inspiration, not only for her courage in the face a life-altering cancer diagnosis but also for her determination to make a difference for other children who might one day be in her shoes. It is our honor to celebrate her amazing work and generosity,” Glynn said.
The event also included remarks from U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal; Village clients, including musical performances by a Village foster youth; Village leadership; and The Hartford, who was the presenting sponsor for the thirteenth year in a row.
Girl Within has raised more than $1.7 million since its inception.
Past honorees of the Woman of the Year award include social justice advocates, environmental activists, philanthropists, non-profit and business leaders, actors and volunteers, including Lhakpa Sherpa, Jessica Zachs, Jennifer Steadman, Paula S. Gilberto, Dr. Estela López, Linda Carlson Hart and others.
Event sponsors included: Presenting: The Hartford; Gold: Cigna; Silver: All Waste, Ares Management, Carrie & Chris Casciani, Chubb, Beth & Rick Costello, Fairview Capital, KPMG LLP, Liberty Bank, Carle Mowell, OneDigital, Risk Strategies, Talcott Financial; Bronze: Bank of America, CohnReznick LLP, Day Pitney LLP, Ernst & Young, Eversource, Franklin Trust Federal Credit Union, Hartford HealthCare, George Jepsen & Associates, KeyBank, Max Cares Foundation, Morris Group, Robinson+Cole, Rossmore Private Capital; Young Woman of the Year Sponsor: Smith Brothers Insurance, LLC; Entertainment Sponsor: United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut; Patron: Burden Media, CLA, Community Renewal Team, Friar Architecture, Gravelle Family Fund, Hartford Yard Goats, HORST Engineering, Janice & David Klein, Kozak & Salina, Barry Lastra, Rosemary Lombardo, Patricia Marealle, Christopher McCarron, Elaine Montgomery-Baisden, Janet Porriello, Michael Zurcher
To learn more about the event and its impact visit thevillage.org/gw.
Contact:
Sarah Heath, Senior Director, Marketing and Communications,
The Village for Families & Children (c) 860-751-4179, sheath@thevillage.org
About The Village
The Village for Families & Children was one of the first agencies in the country to provide homes for neglected children. Today, The Village provides a full range of behavioral health, early childhood and youth development, substance use treatment, and support services for children, families and adults in the Greater Hartford region. Learn more at thevillage.org.