Chamber Presenting First ‘Heart Of Women’ Award

DANBURY — Jane Martellino, founder of Yes! Grace Rocks, Inc, has been named the recipient of the first Heart of Women Award by the Women’s Business Council of the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce, which has numerous member businesses in Newtown.

As advocates for the advancement and continued success of professional women in the community, part of the WBC’s role is also to recognize women who have made a lasting contribution and have profoundly impacted the lives of those in the community. The Heart of Women Award symbolizes the inspirational commitment made by someone on behalf of individuals less fortunate than herself and whose lives have forever been touched by her generosity.

After visiting with a young girl named Grace Sturm who was recovering from a brain tumor surgery in a local hospital, Ms Martellino, the librarian at the Consolidated School in New Fairfield, felt compelled to support the child and her parents by expanding Grace’s prayer circle. By way of the Internet, Ms Martellino reached out to school librarians, teachers, and friends to join “Prayer Partners for Grace,” which quickly spread across every state in the country and was represented on a map hung in Grace’s hospital room

This outpouring inspired Ms Martellino to establish the Yes! Grace Rocks Foundation to support families of children diagnosed with a brain tumor or brain injury.

“The cry and plea from the heart of a mother when her child is diagnosed with a brain tumor or brain injury is what moves me to act on behalf of these families,” Ms Martellino said after learning about the honor.

Ms Martellino will be presented with the award at a cocktail reception on December 8, from 5:30 to 8 pm, at the Matrix Center in Danbury. The price to attend is $45 with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the YGR Foundation.

For more information about the event and sponsorship opportunities, contact JoAnn Cueva at 203-743-5565 or Joann@danburychamber.com.