| AUGUST 29, 2008 -- A new women's networking group has been formed to expand opportunities for businesswomen in the Northwest Corner and across the state. As its first order of business, the group will host a craft fair Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Winchester Grange, to raise funds for local soup kitchens.
Creative Business Women of Connecticut, officially organized last month, is run by Aline Pozzo, president, and Maryann Burlinski, secetary/treasurer. Both women are members of Winchester Grange. The networking group already has about 20 members.
Pozzo first came up with the idea of forming a local women's group after learning of a nationwide community called Mom Pack, a group of working mothers who network with other working mothers throughout the country. Wanting to get involved with other working mothers, but support local businesses as well, Pozzo decided to form her own home-grown group.
"I decided to do this in Connecticut," said Pozzo. "People really like to deal with people in their own community or close by. Why do I want to deal with someone in California when I can deal with someone local?"
In addition to providing a networking opportunity for business moms, and sharing marketing and business-enhancing ideas with members, Creative Business Women of Connecticut will contribute to the community, raising money for those in need and helping on various town-based projects.
As its first community outreach project, the new group will hold a fundraiser at the Winchester Grange to support the Open Door Soup Kitchen in Winsted and Community Soup Kitchen in Torrington on Sept. 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The fundraiser will feature 25 vendors, from a variety of businesses, including foods, crafts and home goods. In addition, baked goods and sandwiches will be available for purchase and games will be set up for children to play while their parents shop and browse. Tickets for door prizes will be available at the door and all fair goers are asked to bring a nonperishable food items, toiletries or first-aid items, such as Band-Aids, razor blades, shampoos, body lotions, etc.
All proceeds from food and ticket sales and doanted items will go to the two soup kitchens.
Pozzo said she is aware that many people are beginning to tighten their belts when it comes to spending and donating money, but she also said that every little bit helps those in great need and the fundraiser fair is expected to be a great afternoon out.
"I think we have to realize that we are very fortunate, most of us. If everyone does one thing, it benefits everybody and doesn't hurt as much."
For more information on the fundraiser fair or joining Creative Business Women of Connecticut, contact Aline Pozzo at 860-738-2270.
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