Betty Hale Honored by Council for Philanthropy

May 24, 2012 (HARTFORD, CT) Betty Hale has been named the recipient of the 2012 John H. Filer Award by the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy for her leadership in promoting private action for the public good. Hale, a resident of Pomfret Center and lead trustee of the Newell D. Hale Foundation, has helped to enrich the lives of children and families in Connecticut’s “Quiet Corner.”

“In the process of all of this incredible philanthropic work, she has done something that is truly priceless:  She has created a culture of generosity.  Her efforts will continue to bear fruit, as so many of us have watched and learned from her over the years and will follow her lead in giving back to our communities,” said Mary Anthony, executive director of the 1722 Foundation and Northeastern Connecticut resident.

Betty was the Administrator of Performing Arts of Northeast Connecticut which brought free, professional productions of opera and symphony to 150,000 children in 26 area towns.  She also co-founded Three C's: The Community Cultural Committee, a volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to introducing students and teachers to the performing arts in a manner which is both entertaining and educational.

In addition, Betty and her husband Newell chaired the Day Kimball Hospital campaign to build a new Birthing Surgical Wing, and Betty has also served for many years on the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism.

Through her organizational efforts and a generous personal commitment, Betty began the process of building a regional community YMCA.  With the odds stacked against her, in the midst of a recession and with multiple capital campaigns already in competition for limited funds, Betty persevered and the $13 million project is now well underway.

“Those who live in Windham County are truly fortunate to be surrounded by a culture of caring that has been  underwritten by Betty's efforts over more than three decades of service,” commented Nancy Roberts, president of the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy.

The award honors the life and work of the late John H. Filer, former chief executive of Aetna Life & Casualty Company, who was known for his bold support of corporate citizenship and who helped reassert the American commitment to private philanthropy in the 1970s. Each year, the award recognizes an individual or individuals who embody an entrepreneurial spirit and leadership in promoting the field of philanthropy, and have demonstrated a creative response to solving societal problems. For more information about the Filer Award including previous recipients visit the Council’s website.

The Connecticut Council for Philanthropy is a nonprofit membership association of grantmakers committed to promoting and supporting effective philanthropy for the public good in Connecticut. The award was presented at the Council’s 2012 Connecticut Philanthropy Summit on May 23. For more information about the Council, visit www.CTphilanthropy.org or call 860-525-5585.

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Contact:

Nancy Roberts
Connecticut Council for Philanthropy
860-525-5585
ccp@CTphilanthropy.org

Website: www.CTphilanthropy.org