Some came to the Town & County Club Wednesday sporting their “indestructible” bracelets of power, while others came with just the fire from within to do for others.
They are the Malta House of Care 2015 “Wonder Women” honorees.
The seven, former Knox Foundation director Charmaine Craig, activist and advocate Paula DeSilva, advocate for those with disabilities Polly Hincks, St. Francis Women’s Heart Program director Dr. Anita Kelsey, Hartford Hospital vice president Yvette Melendez, ECSU president Elsa Nunez and philanthropist and community leader Susan Scherer, were formally introduced at the reception. And they came “armed.”
“When I learned I was getting the award, my children went on eBay and got me these,” said Scherer, whose outfit included two wide gold cuffs, the kind the “real” Wonder Woman comic character sported for power.
“I don’t really consider myself a wonder woman,” said Scherer, who sits on several Hartford area non-profit boards and was the former advertising vice president for Sage Allen. “I just consider myself someone who enjoys getting stuff done and helping people.”
Scherer wasn’t the only one with bracelet power at the event benefiting the non-profit that provides mobile medical care to those in need.
Melendez also had a cuff, a gift from her boss Hartford hospital president Stu Markowitz, who, by the way, did not have an easy time finding the proper bling before Wednesday’s announcement party.
“When we heard she had been named a Wonder Woman, I went looking for a bracelet,” said Markowitz who joked he had suggested Melendez might consider the signature cape and tights Wonder Woman get up for the event. With the clock ticking, Markowitz ended up at Newbury Comics in Manchester in search of the empowered jewelry.
Earlier this week the business found what he needed and Melendez showed it off proudly.
The party also included extended families of the honorees, including Craig’s son, Jason Craig, and granddaughter, Jaelah Craig.
“I am a wonder woman,” said Craig, better known as “Hartford’s Tree Lady” who inspired the city to think green and go green. “I was a single mother, a victim of domestic abuse and I persevered.”
“She is a mom who went above and beyond,” added her son as held his young daughter. “And that made me a better father.”
The seven will be honored at the “Celebrating Wonder Women” benefit on May 5 at the Bushnell.
