Heather Bankowski
Girl Scouts of Housatonic Council, Inc.
Vision Area: Nurturing Children and Youth
Nominated by Lynne Raymond, Chief Executive Officer
Heather Bankowski (Senior at Masuk High School) exemplifies the Girl Scout Promise and Laws and is a role model for children and adults. She is courteous and thoughtful and always ready to help. Through the years Heather has developed outstanding
leadership skills. She is a good manager of her time and talents. Heather is an exemplary volunteer in her school, her parish and her community. Her pastor describes her as one who “exemplifies moral character, faith commitment and is a fine example to others in the community.” Heather has maintained honors and high honors throughout her high school years. She is an altar server in her parish and teaches in the religious education program where she completed a coloring and learning Prayer Book for children in grades K-2. As a Girl Scout she has participated in many
community service activities. Heather plans to attend college to become a chemistry teacher. Presently she is taking UCONN/AP Honors Chemistry II as well as Honors Physics I, Pre-Calculus and a psychology course. The Girl Scouts of Housatonic Council are pleased and proud to nominate Heather Bankowski for the Community Builder Award sponsored by United Way of Eastern Fairfield County.



Fred K. Biebel
The Kennedy Center, Inc.
Vision Area: Promoting Health, Wellness and Safety
Nominated by Martin D. Schwartz, President/CEO
Frederick K. Biebel (Governor’s Southwestern Office) is a prime example of an outstanding Community Builder. Throughout his career, Fred has worked extensively to revitalize cities, states and the citizens that reside within them. As a member of The Kennedy Center, Inc.’s Board of Directors, Nominating Commitee Chair and member ofseveral other committees, Fred Biebel has brought a wealth of knowledge, experience and network contacts. As a private provider of programs and services for an extremely vulnerable group (persons with disabilities and special needs), The Kennedy Center, Inc. is constantly advocating for the people the Center serves. Fred Biebel is an invaluable adovcate. His legislative contacts have resulted in training and placing people with disabilities in competitive employment positions. Fred has been involved in a wide array of volunteer and elected community activities as an elected Councilman in the Town of Stratford and Ringmaster of the Barnum Festival to University of Bridgeport Board member, Chairman of the Center for Policy Issues at Sacred Heart University, leader at the Lordship Community United Church of Christ and Commissioner at Boothe Memorial Park. In addition, he has held numerous national volunteer and appointed positions.



Billy Byrne
Burroughs Community Center
Vision Area: Nurturing Children and Youth
Nominated by Kevin Simmons, Executive Director
BilIy Byrne (Fairfield Prep) stands out from among the many volunteers who have helped make the programs at Burroughs successful in the past year. He has been an outstanding asset to the Center in several endeavors. He has been a fixture of the after school program for the past two years. Billy spends at least one afternoon each week enthusiastically helping middle school and high school aged children successfully complete their homework. He has the unique ability to help a child struggling with basic 5th grade math while also assisting a student with rigorous advanced placement history work. He works tirelessly to help children who sometimes would prefer not even to do the work. He also challenges students who are capable of doing the work to do a better job, encouraging them not to settle for "it's done" but to work for "it's perfect." All the while he keeps in mind that each child's best effort is very different. In January he will participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, preparing taxes for people who cannot afford to use a service and cannot do it them themselves. Billy is an exceptional young man.



Mary Pat Curran Healy
Career Resources, Inc.
Vision Area: Increasing Self-Sufficiency
Nominated by Katherine A. Pytleski, VP
Planning and Development
Mary Pat Curran Healy (SBC) has helped guide Career Resources through very rapid growth and change during a time when the organization expanded its budget and staffing by 280%. She has led Career Resources with wisdom, generosity and humor. She has been a tireless advocate for the people served and an articulate spokesperson promoting the training, employment, and education programs that lead to economic self-sufficiency. She moves gracefully from the big picture to the hands-on details. Recently, she helped organize a holiday “Angel Tree” for women in Career Resources’ STARS program, so that these mothers would have holiday presents for their children. It is inspiring that Mary Pat Curran Healy is able to do so much for so many organizations, while maintaining boundless enthusiasm and energy.



Edith “Edie” Faile
Mercy Learning Center of Bridgeport
Vision Area: Increasing Self-Sufficiency
Nominated by Jane Ferreira, President/CEO
Edith “Edie” Faile (Volunteer sewing, quilting instructor, and ESL Tutor) has been an integral part of Mercy Learning Center’s volunteer program for the past three years. The overall program goals are to prepare students to enter the Center’s GED program, empower women to take active roles in the lives of their children and community, and/or develop employability skills to enter a job market to which they have previously had only a marginal attachment. Edie serves as a Second Language tutor and sewing and quilting instructor. Under Edie’s expert guidance, the sewing program has grown from one to seven classes each week, of which Edie teaches four. Within the past year, she has introduced a quilting class and has drawn community assistance from a fellow quilter and seamstress. Edie has given countless hours and boundless dedication to the women she serves, displaying their works at the Southport Fabric and Fabrication Show and at the Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival. Possessing a conviction to support Mercy Learning Center’s mission to live its motto, “Educate a woman, educate a family,” Edie has made a profound contribution in increasing self-sufficiency among the students with whom she interacts. As a result of her contagious passion for sewing, she has helped Mercy Learning Center’s students learn to sew and, in some cases, even obtain employment in the field.

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Carole J. Fanslow
The Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport
Vision Area: Nurturing Children and Youth
Nominated by Rev. John S. Kidd, Executive Director
Carole J. Fanslow (Unity Hill United Church of Christ) is a past President of the Council of Churches’ Board of Directors and the first woman to hold this office for the Council. She has helped to organize and lead both the Greater Bridgeport CROP Walk since its inception in 1974 and Project Learn, whose Advisory Committee she has chaired since 1984. She grew up as a member of Trinity Reformed Church, now Unity Hill United Church of Christ, for which she serves as Church Organist. A Bridgeport native and University of Bridgeport alumna now living in Stratford, Carole has exhibited leadership, which over the years has benefited numerous community organizations including the Trumbull Interfaith Committee, American Guild of Organists, League of Women Voters and The Center for Women and Families of Eastern Fairfield County.



Cynthia G. Foothorap
Action for Bridgeport Community Development, Inc.
Vision Area: Nurturing Children and Youth
Nominated by Charles B. Tisdale, Executive Director
Cynthia G. Foothorap (Retired, Fairfield Public Schools) has been a tireless advocate for Action for Bridgeport Community Development, Inc. since May 2004 when she began volunteering. Recently retired from the Town of Fairfield’s school system, Cynthia hoped that she would find meaningful work as a volunteer and believes her prayers have been answered through her election to the Board of Directors and her involvement with ABCD programs. From the outset, Cynthia has worked hard to bring Fairfield closer to ABCD. Her chief effort has been to renew conversations between the First Selectman and ABCD’s Childcare Division to open a Head Start center in Fairfield. Many children and families in Fairfield need this service. Other important programs that Cynthia has worked on include finding volunteers for ABCD’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, organizing the ABCD Annual Thanksgiving Turkeys for Families program, identifying new contributing organizations for ABCD’s Toys for Tots program and assisting with 2004 Coats for Kids program.



Jeffrey L. Gross
The Jewish Center for Community Services
Vision Area: Promoting Health, Wellness and Safety
Nominated by Laurie Gross, Director of
Community Relations
Dr. Jeffrey L. Gross (Associated Neurologists) has devoted his life to promoting health, wellness and safety. As a physician, he spends his days working to help those suffering from illness. His passion and commitment to helping his patients has earned him listings in “Best Physicians in America” since 1996. He spends valuable volunteer hours working on behalf of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, chairing the Physician Advisory Committee, speaking to MS support groups, and fundraising at the annual MS Walk-a-thon and Bike-a-thon. Dr. Gross has taken on leadership roles in almost every aspect of the Jewish Center for Community Services. Even with his busy professional schedule, he has found time not only to serve on committees but also to chair them and provide direction and leadership. He was Chair of the JCCS at the time of the successful Save Our Center Campaign and skillfully guided the center through a fiscal and organizational crisis. His generosity has not only raised the bar for donation of time but also of funds, enabling the agency to better realize its mission. Dr. Gross has combined his professional and volunteer life to help improve the lives of people suffering from disease. In addition, he has stepped forward in support of every aspect of the Jewish Center for Community Services.

Virginia O. Hayes
United Visiting Nurse Association, Inc.
Vision Area: Promoting Health, Wellness and Safety
Nominated by Mary Ann O’Connor, President/CEO
Virginia O. Hayes is a matriarch of United Visiting Nurse Association. She has been a loyal supporter of United VNA for 20 years. As those who are familiar with her will attest, Virginia knows virtually everyone in her community and is not afraid to speak her mind. She has introduced the VNA to countless friends and donors who share her interest in bringing health care home to our community. Virginia is a tireless advocate for the VNA mission, programs and patients. She has a wonderful ability to tap into the resources around her to help achieve the goal of caring for patients regardless of malady or ability to pay for services. Her efforts to support the Hospice and Medically Underserved and Maternal Child Health programs have made a measurable impact on patients’ health and well-being. Perhaps what is most remarkable about Virginia is her passion for helping others. Not only does she share her time with VNA, she also volunteers for Southport Congregational Church’s Carousel thrift store, Fairfield Historical Society, Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival and Emerge. Virginia’s energy and enthusiasm are greatly appreciated.



DeAnna Holt
Southern Regional Sickle Cell Association
Vision Area: Promoting Health, Wellness and Safety
Nominated by Delores Williams-Edwards, Executive Director
DeAnna Holt (Freshman at Kolbe Cathedral High School), the poster child for Southern Regional Sickle Cell Association from ages 7 -12, currently serves as the Association's "young ambassador." As an ongoing participant in the sickle cell awareness campaign since the age of seven, she has presented numerous speeches and has appeared in several television spots including a recent interview with Channel 8 News. Always willing to speak openly about her own illness, she has been an inspiration to others affected with sickle cell. Through her television and radio appearances and the many newspaper articles about her over the years, DeAnna's impact has extended beyond the residents of the local community to actors, professional artists, musicians and countless others fortunate enough to read or hear her heartfelt words. Because of her willingness to share information about her pain, her hospitalizations, her medicines and her coping strategies, thousands of people better understand the plight of those with sickle cell.


Reginald N. Jackson
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Connecticut
Vision Area: Nurturing Children and Youth
Nominated by Ellen Tracy, Executive Director
Reginald N. Jackson (Pratt & Whitney) came to Big Brothers Big Sisters in 1998 after completion of Project Blueprint, the United Way of Eastern Fairfield County’s program to increase diversity on non-profit boards. In part because of that training and also because he is a person who, when he takes on a task takes it seriously, Reggie quickly became one of the most effective Board members. Whatever the issue placed before the Board, Reggie analyzes it from as many angles as possible, asks questions and thoughtfully considers it before stating his opinion. Reggie is an ideal Board member because he participates in every fundraiser, program event and meeting. He is a valuable member of the Operations Committee, whose ongoing task is to monitor adherence to the standards of the national organization. His efficient and serious approach to problem solving is especially valuable as he reviews the multitude of manuals. Reggie’s brand of volunteerism is to consistently do what needs to be done, quietly, thoroughly and without looking for applause.



Carol Jayne
International Institute of Connecticut, Inc.
Vision Area: Increasing Self-Sufficiency
Nominated by Myra M. Oliver, Executive Director
Carol (Retired, The Douglas Gallery) has been teaching
newly arriving refugees for the International Institute of Connecticut, Inc. for the past six years every Tuesday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Carol, a 30+ year volunteer for the local Girl Scout Council, is a trained literacy volunteer and former teacher whose work with the International Institute has been invaluable. Each quarter, Carol assists a small class (4 refugees) with basic survival English so they can be assimilated into their new community. She works with them on an individual basis and in small groups. She helps her students prepare for entry into Basic English as a Second Language and has been successful in doing so. She has been an asset to the agency and its work with new Americans.



Sean Kennedy
Sterling House Community Center
Vision Area: Nurturing Children and Youth
Nominated by Louis D. Perno, Executive Director
Sean Kennedy (Junior at Bunnell High School) has made an
enormous impact on the athletic program at The Sterling House Community Center. He serves as an outstanding role model for other youth in the program. Sean, a 17 year old student who has been challenged with cerebral palsy from birth, displays excellent character, a caring attitude, a sense of humor and a desire to serve others while expecting nothing in return. He understands the concept of community service and giving back to his community to help others, young and old. Bill O’Brien, Director of Athletics and Youth Programs at Sterling House, once likened Rudyard Kipling’s quote “We have forty million reasons for failure, but not a single excuse” to Sean because he accepts responsibility and tries very hard at everything he attempts. Bill states, “Like all of us, Sean may not always succeed, but he makes no excuses and he never gives up. Who could ask for more in a leader?” Sean has a great attitude, is sensitive to the needs of the young people he serves through his volunteerism and also gets along well with his peers, adults and the young athletes. Sean has demonstrated exemplary maturity and leadership ability and is a most dependable and loyal worker in the organization.



Ali Jihad Langston
The Charles D. Smith Jr. Foundation, Inc.
Vision Area: Strengthening Families
Nominated by Deborah Thomas-Sims, Executive Director
Ali Jihad Langston (Senior at Weston High School), or “Mr. Ali” as he is warmly called by the children, has touched many hearts at the Charles D. Smith Jr. Foundation. Once himself a participant in the After School Program, for over 5 years he has embraced the one thing we try to teach the children...how important it is to give back. In 2004, Ali helped raise money and served as a volunteer at the Harvest Party and the holiday party. He also helped raise nearly $400 to buy 50 new backpacks filled with essential school supplies for the children who attend the After School Program. Moreover, Ali assisted at the Foundation by mentoring youth, cleaning and landscaping and also working in the office and computer labs. Ali is worthy of this honor because he is an exceptional person and a well-rounded student. His grades reflect these qualities. Ali is a person whose peers can look to as a role model. Throughout the years, Ali has grown into a very mature young man. His free spirit and nature of giving exemplify how we would like all of our children to be.



Robert C. Lindquist
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Bridgeport
Vision Area: Supporting Basic Human Needs
Nominated by Wendy Hrynewski, Volunteer Coordinator
Robert C. Lindquist (Retired, Lindquist Builders Suppy Company) has been a part of the Habitat affiliate almost since its founding, volunteering his time on all except the first of the houses. His leadership helped grow from 1-4 houses completed per year to 12-14 houses completed per year. He displays initiative and works with staff and committees to undertake any task. He assumes all of the responsibilities and planning necessary to build and complete houses so that pre-qualified Habitat families may realize their dream of homeownership. Robert has a gift for leadership exhibited when he was President of the Board. Robert successfully leads a multitude of volunteers in construction tasks so that they have a rewarding and productive day. His ability promotes return volunteerism. Robert also runs the landscaping and fencing “department,” which is an often overlooked but essential component in obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy. Robert is a team player whose primary concern is the good of the people served. He always has the mission of Habitat in his heart.



The Honorable Carmen L. Lopez
Child Guidance Center of Greater Bridgeport
Vision Area: Nurturing Children and Youth
Nominated by Roberta Burns-Howard, Chairperson, Board of Directors
Carmen L. Lopez (Superior Court Judge) has dedicated her life to creating better environments for children in Bridgeport and throughout Connecticut. She has done this at great cost, both professionally and personally. In court, she is well known for protecting children, keeping families together, educating parents and addressing the mental, physical and social well-being of youngsters. She has been an outspoken advocate for improving the Bridgeport Juvenile Court and Detention Center and has expressed her concern regarding children’s mental health. Judge Lopez is active in the life of the Bridgeport community, working with her husband, Judge Dale Radcliffe, to support and sponsor a children’s baseball team. As a member of the Child Guidance Center of Greater Bridgeport Board of Directors, she chairs the newly formed Strategic Planning Committee. As a participant on the Membership Committee, she has been instrumental in Board recruitment Judge Lopez is never afreaid of asking the hard questions...to be the community conscience. One cannot forget the mental health needs of children or the plight of their parents when one is in a room with Carmen L. Lopez, whether in a courthouse, a living room, or a board room.



Michael Marcinek
Cardinal Shehan Center
Vision Area: Nurturing Children and Youth
Nominated by Terrance O'Connor, Executive Director
Michael Marcinek (Fletcher Thompson) joined the Cardinal Shehan Center Board and made an immediate impact. His tireless effort as Treasurer, helped grow the endowment, make new friends for the Center and recruit new Board members. As a member of the Board, Mike is called on for his community contacts and for his wisdom. His willingness to serve the needs of children is unyielding. When he became Treasurer of the organization, Mike knew and accepted the magnitude of the position. He was involved with fundraising events and available to meet with key donors. His continued wisdom was paramount in developing an investment plan for the Center's endowment. His company, Fletcher Thompson, performed a complete study of the Shehan Center
building as an in-kind contribution. The Cardinal Shehan Center has since implemented many of the recommendations from the study. Mike deserves special recognition for his commitment to and caring for the young people served by the Cardinal Shehan Center.

Amy Oestreicher
The Greater Bridgeport Jewish Housing Corp.
Vision Area: Supporting Older People
Nominated by Marjorie Worman Rosten, Esq., Executive Director
Amy Oestreicher (Senior at Fairfield High School) has created a unique program of entertainment for the senior citizens of The Greater Bridgeport Jewish Housing Corp. At age fourteen, Amy generated a repertoire of music going back to the 1920s. When Amy's flyers arrive to announce her appearance, residents become giddy with genuine excitement. They love Amy's youth, talent and devotion. She is a gifted singer, guitar player and pianist. When she strums her guitar and leads the seniors in singing "Bicycle Built for Two," peace and nostalgia reign. Amy brings music, joy and food which bring the seniors down to the community room. Amy's greatest challenge was last winter when the boilers shut down. She did not cancel; she asked how she could help. She brought her whole family, food and her fingerless gloves to entertain a much larger than usual crowd, huddled together for warmth. Singing, her nose pink with the cold, Amy smiled and helped keep the seniors safe and secure in what might have otherwise been a frightening situation.



Beverly Peterson
Literacy Volunteers of Southeastern Fairfield County
Vision Area: Increasing Self-Sufficiency
Nominated by Mary Agostino, Literacy Coordinator
Beverly Peterson (Sacred Heart University) believes in, and enjoys, what she does as a volunteer for Literacy Volunteers of Southeastern Fairfield County. Students are immediately comfortable with her. She is calm, interested in everything, flexible and always willing to try something new. For instance, she began by tutoring one-on-one with Basic Literacy students. Then she expanded her horizons by working with a group of students in the English for Speakers of Other Languages program. She works extremely well with other volunteers and with staff. When asked about the challenges and rewards of tutoring, Beverly identified the challenge as keeping the "basics" interesting, especially since lots of practice and review are needed. Knowing and spending time with her students, she believes, is the biggest reward. She
commented, "They're wonderful!"



Christopher Rallo
Bridge House, Inc.
Vision Area: Promoting Health, Wellness and Safety
Nominated by Victoria E. Furey, Executive Director
Christopher Rallo (Hudson United Bank) has been associated with Bridge House for more than ten years. In various capacities from Treasurer to Vice President and President of the Board, he lent his leadership to the development of the Greater Bridgeport Warehouse collaboration. He helped guide the organization through a significant and difficult reorganization in order to meet certification standards. This process resulted in the receipt of a three-year International Clubhouse Certification. Chris chaired the Y2K Compliance Plan and was responsible for the successful renegotiation of Bridge House’s mortgage. He is a no-nonsense, get-the-job-done type of person who rises to every challenge. He has been, and is, an invaluable asset to the growth and development of the organization. Chris is a graduate with high honors from Tufts University and over the years has volunteered his time not only to Bridge House but also to Grace and St. Peter's Youth Group in Bridgeport and to Hamden Youth Soccer Turnaround Management Association.



Candy Raveis
FSW, Inc.
Vision Area: Strengthening Families
Nominated by Brian J. Langdon, President/CEO
Candy Raveis (William Raveis Real Estate) is nominated for her work both on behalf of FSW and on behalf of the entire community. She brings her wonderful creativity and organizational skills to her work as an organizer and fundraiser. She is a gracious leader and gives encouragement and support to many events, including those with which she is only peripherally involved. Candy is the kind of Board member who steps up to the plate when needed and works tirelessly on behalf of FSW and other organizations that help those in need. Candy is a true community builder while raising funds for FSW and other organizations. As chair or co-chair of the many events she has put on for FSW over the years, Candy brings many people together to do the myriad of tasks such events require, making them fun and productive for everyone. She promotes a sense of community for people working on an event, but the clients and the
mission remain her focus at all times. Her organizational skills make others feel they need not worry about the many challenges facing them; somehow it will all get done and it will be quite successful. Her creative skills make each event unique and memorable.



William G. Selden
Music and Arts Center for Humanity
Vision Area: Nurturing Children and Youth
Nominated by Alan Fox, President/CEO
William Selden (Retired, Allison Manufacturing) joined the Music and Arts Center for Humanity in 2001 at a critical juncture in MACH's organizational life. Having made the organizational decision in 1998 to extend the mission to include serving other individuals with special needs, e.g., economically disadvantaged, adjudicated, socially and emotionally disturbed and also gifted and talented, MACH began a program and organizational development effort to increase its offerings. As a result, MACH grew exponentially over the next several years. This growth over a short period created a number of challenges including the reconstitution of MACH's governance structure. MACH was fortunate to have Mr. Selden agree to join the Board. He immediately became involved on the Finance Committee and agreed to become Treasurer of the Board and Chair of the Finance Committee. Since then, Mr. Selden has been a vital member helping to guide and shape the organizational needs of the agency. He assisted in evaluating MACH's financial and accounting systems and the reorganization of MACH's administration. His leadership was tantamount to MACH's successful transition over the past two years.



Arthur Wakeling
St. Vincent’s Medical Center
Vision Area: Providing Basic Human Needs
Nominated by Carol Kuhta, Director of Volunteers
Arthur Wakeling (Retired, Bridgeport Board of Education) has contributed over 2,000 volunteer hours of service since coming to St. Vincent’s Medical Center in 1998. His contribution reaches well beyond the number of hours served into the lives he touches everyday at the Medical Center. In his service as “Greeter” in the new lobby of St. Vincent’s, Arthur extends simple pleasantries, which are important to patients and families, who may be anxious or uncertain because of illness. Arthur is part of a senior volunteer team of “red coats,” who “warm up” the large lobby and set a tone of concern and friendliness. Arthur is also a Eucharistic Minister and distributes communion to Catholic patients. He makes a big difference in the lives of many patients, particurlarly the “regulars” who frequently come in for outpatient treatment. “Before you were here, I dreaded the long walk to radiation,” one person wrote him in thanks. “Now I look foward to seeing you and your smiling face.” Arthur is an inspiration to St. Vincent’s employees and other volunteers. One noted, “It’s always difficult to single people out, but Arthur distinguishes himself because he cares. He puts his faith to work, and he really gets to know people. He is there when patients first come in, and he celebrates with them when their treatment is over.”



Richard J. Weston
The Salvation Army of Greater Bridgeport
Vision Area: Providing Basic Human Needs
Nominated by Major Michael C. Sharpe, Greater Bridgeport Area Coordinator
Richard J. Weston (Flow Serve, Inc.), a member of the Salvation Army since he was a young man, has always been an active and eager volunteer. He is the Assistant Director of the Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Team and has participated actively since the mid 1970's. Richard is on call at all hours of the day. He enjoys responding to emergencies and giving oversight to the upkeep and maintenance of the Mobile Canteen Response Vehicle. Richard is a tireless volunteer for the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program, which collects more than 15,000 gifts for children during the holiday season. Every day after work from mid-November through December 24th, Richard drives to toy pickup locations and transports gifts to the Salvation Army Angel Tree warehouse. Following the lead of their father and mother who is a social worker for the Salvation Army of Greater Bridgeport, the Weston children join their parents in the workshop, sorting toys and helping to set up the whole operation. Richard and his wife head a family of volunteers extraordinaire.



Tulay Witt
The Center for Women and Families of
Eastern Fairfield County
Vision Area: Promoting Health, Wellness and Safety
Nominated by Kristine Hazzard, President/CEO
Tulay has been a volunteer with The Center for Women and Families of Eastern Fairfield County for eight years. She is a certified domestic violence and sexual assault advocate and has provided hotline coverage and services to the domestic violence safe house. Her greatest passion and impact have been in the Women Offenders Programs. While many people’s fears and misconceptions deter them from assisting women who have been in prison, Tulay works with these women as if they were her family. She understands the trauma they have experienced. She does not judge them. She helps move them toward self-sufficiency, greater self-confidence and a better life. Tulay donated a van to the program so women could be transported to various social service and health appointments. She drives to York Correctional Facility in Niantic, CT once a month to meet with women who are scheduled to be released into the Bridgeport community. She then helps them find housing, food, clothing, furniture and other resources they need to be successful.



Toni Zeleny
Bridgeport Hospital Foundation
Vision Area: Promoting Health, Wellness and Safety
Nominated by Stephen M. Jakab, President
Toni Zeleny (Bridgeport Hospital Auxiliary) has been a member of the Auxiliary since 1992. As a volunteer, she has functioned in many capacities and has performed a variety of tasks to assist both patients and staff. From May 2003 through the present, she has demonstrated her leadership skills in her service as the President of the Auxiliary. Toni has been a volunteer for Operation Hope for the past eight years. She currently serves on the Operation Hope Advisory Board seeking solutions to curtail and prevent homelessness through job and life skills training, education, counseling and other support services. Toni works tirelessly to raise funds to support Bridgeport Hospital, Operation Hope and other charitable causes. Her high-energy leadership inspires others to work diligently for those in need of healthcare or other basic human services.