Women’s Business Council Honors Bestow ‘Heart of Women’ Awards

DANBURY — The Women’s Business Council of the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce will present this year’s Heart of Women Awards to two deserving women.  According to JoAnn Cueva, program specialist for the chamber and the WBC’s coordinator, the Heart of Women Award celebrates women who made an impact and inspired others to action. 

From more than a dozen nominations, the WBC Committee selected New Milford resident LouAnn Bloomer and Sherman resident Marie Hatcher. Ms Bloomer is the founder and president of TBICO (The Bridge to Independence and Career Opportunities), which provides free employment preparation and career transition services to women. 

Ms Hatcher is founder of Matthew’s Hearts of Hope, which offers support and raises awareness and funding for children with congenital heart defects.

On November 1, from 5 to 8 pm at the Crowne Plaza Danbury, the pair will be honored at the public award presentation and cocktail reception.

TBICO has helped more than 2,000 women since its inception in 1993, said Ms Bloomer. 

“We give them a place to be productive and maintain their employment skills,” she said. “We provide a pathway for people to move into economic stability.”  

Like Ms Bloomer, Ms Hatcher also made a long-lasting impact on the lives of others. She was directly responsible for getting legislation passed to mandate that every newborn in the state of Connecticut be screened for congenital heart defects (CDH). 

According to Ms Hatcher, CHDs affect about 40,000 babies in the United States every year.  Her 4-year-old son Matthew was born with a heart condition called hypoplastic right heart syndrome. 

Thanks to three open heart surgeries, he is doing well, which Ms Hatcher credits to early detection. 

“If CHDs are left undetected, hospitals can send babies home, only to have them develop life-threatening medical problems,” said Ms Hatcher, who is a registered nurse and stay-at-home mother of three young boys. 

The screening for heart defects, which tests the oxygen level of the baby, is noninvasive, Ms Hatcher explained.  To date, Matthew’s Hearts of Hope has raised more than $30,000.

Danbury resident Mary Jean Rebeiro, president and owner of NY-CONN Corp in Danbury and a member of the WBC nominating committee, said, “I was very touched by both these women’s stories. With this award we want to show how women can improve the lives of others based upon their involvement in something they’re passionate about.”

“We are so thrilled to have the opportunity to give back to these women who are always giving to others,” said Ms Cueva. “After meeting them, you will come away feeling inspired, wanting to get involved, and realizing that one person really can make a difference.”

For more information, or to attend the event, call 203-743-5565 or e-mail info@danburychamber.com.