Hearts of Hope Foundation announces the appointment of Diane Sarna as the new president of Hearts of Hope-Newtown chapter. Sarna succeeds Patricia Ptak, outgoing president of the Newtown chapter.

In accordance with the bylaws of the organization, chapter presidents have a five-year term limit. Ptak is the first person to achieve this notable milestone.

Speaking on behalf of the organization, Hearts of Hope Founder Judith Pederson this week said, “We gratefully thank Ms Ptak for her dedicated service and commitment to the chapter.

“During her term, Ms Ptak faithfully served the Newtown chapter and the community,” Pederson also said. “She brought energy, talent, and a passion to serve those in need of hope. Her accomplishments on behalf of Hearts of Hope include driving thousands of miles to make personal deliveries of Hearts of Hope to communities devastated by tragedy, including Parkland, Fla., in response to the MSD High School tragedy; Pittsburgh, Penn., in response to the Tree of Life synagogue shooting; and to aid grieving firefighters in Farmington, Me., following a devastating fire in 2019.”

Throughout the pandemic, Ptak has offered “Paint with a Purpose” curbside pick-up events and remained in contact with chapter membership.

Hearts of Hope Newtown chapter welcomes Sarna as the incoming chapter president. Sarna has been involved with the organization since 2012 when, in the aftermath of 12/14, she discovered a Heart of Hope hanging from a tree outside Cyrenius H. Booth Library.

Following the creation of the Hearts of Hope Newtown chapter in spring 2013, Sarna began attending monthly “Paint with a Purpose” nights. After making her first delivery of hearts to a local police station, she sought more involvement in the organization.

She was named to the Hearts of Hope board of directors one year ago.

Sarna has taught for more than 30 years and is currently a high school English and ESOL teacher in Westchester County, N.Y. When not in the classroom, she loves to lead writing workshops and take her students on community service trips to build homes in Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. She is passionate about assisting organizations that have local appeal as well as those with international reach.

In her “free time” Sarna also studies Spanish and teaches aqua fitness at Newtown Community Center.

“Please join all of us with Hearts of Hope Foundation as we thank Pattie Ptak for five years of service and please welcome Ms Sarna as the new president of Hearts of Hope’s Newtown chapter,” Pederson said.

For further information, Sarna can be reached at newtown@ourheartsofhope.org.

Hearts of Hope Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charity with chapters in Connecticut, Florida, and New Jersey. Visit ourheartsofhope.org for additional information, including details about Newtown’s chapter and activities.