“First 100”Received Remarks from U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal

Male leaders – a total of 100 - from throughout Connecticut were honored at a breakfast held at the Crowne Plaza in Cromwell for their leadership in heightening awareness in regard to the availability of and access to domestic violence services in Connecticut. United States Senator Richard Blumenthal, the first of 100 named by the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, was on hand to offer congratulations. Nearly 200 guests turned out for the event where Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan and the Connecticut General Federation of Women’s Clubs received awards for their impact and contribution to making a difference in the lives of victims.

Honorees included business, government and community leaders – from Connecticut Major General Thaddeus Martin to Office of Policy and Management Under Secretary Michael Lawlor and Attorney Burton Weinstein who represented Tracy Thurman – who are committed to making a difference in the lives of victims of domestic violence. Click here for the full list of honorees. “We are pleased to announce this list of outstanding individuals who stand with our Coalition and its 18 member agencies in responding to the issue of domestic violence in our state,” said Karen Jarmoc, Interim Executive Director.

Speaker of the House Christopher Donovan received the "Coalition Crusader" honor for his work to establish the Speaker's Task Force on Domestic Violence. The General Federation of Women's Clubs of Connecticut was awarded the "Lawrence and Shirley Bostrom Pillars for Change" honor in regard to their advocacy to assist the Coalition's 18-member programs to obtain state funding for 24/7 staff coverage at their domestic violence shelters. Connecticut residents Lawrence and Shirley Bostrom created the state’s Survivors of Homicide organization after their daughter Margaret was murdered by her husband.

Lead support for the breakfast was provided by Verizon along with ESPN, Nordstrom, Inc., Webster Bank, The Mohegan Tribe, and Project Closet & Comcast.