Emmy Winner Hosting Griffin Hospital Breast Cancer Tribute

DERBY — Diane Smith, an Emmy award winning broadcast journalist and author who hosts the morning show on WTIC Newstalk 1080 and Positively CT on CPTV, will again serve as master of ceremonies for the Women Making a Difference in the Valley tribute luncheon and breast cancer awareness fundraiser. Presented by the Valley Women’s Health Initiative, the annual event will take place Thursday, October 4, from noon to 2 pm, at the Grassy Hill Lodge in Derby.

This award and fundraising event marks its seventh year this October. Smith has hosted the event since its inception in 2001.

Eight women are being honored this year. They are: Violet Brennan, Seymour; Luz Colville, Derby; Estelle D’Alessio, Derby; Jill DeWerdt, Ansonia; Annie Hathway, Oxford; Pamela Lorenzo, Valley; Denise Lucarelli, Shelton; and Evelyn C. Radovich, Seymour.

Joining the Women’s Health Initiative as 2007 Make a Difference sponsors are W.E. Bassett Company, Shelton; Nick and Ernestine Luise of Shelton; Francis H. Michaud, Jr, Ansonia and Naugatuck Savings Bank.

Tickets are $40 per person.

The Valley Women’s Health Initiative is comprises members of the community working toward a common goal of addressing and improving women’s health issues. Proceeds from the luncheon benefit the Griffin Hospital/Valley Breast Care Fund.

The fund was established in 2001 in an effort to ensure that no person, regardless of age or socio-economic condition, is denied screening mammograms or diagnostic testing for breast cancer. Since then, nearly $50,000 has been raised for the fund and approximately 225 uninsured or underinsured women have received services.

For ticket information or to make a contribution to the Valley Breast Care Fund, call 203-888-3290 or 203-732-7431.