In mid-March, two of the local authors of Just Ordinary Moms – Linda Spevacek and Maureen Wolf – gathered with an audience of over 200 professional women. Over half of the attendees were award hopefuls, as over 100 applications had been submitted for one of four Ladies Making History Awards, sponsored by Ladies Who Launch – Connecticut. The award criteria included having a high likelihood of success and making a social impact.
After inspiring remarks by Linda McMahon, who funded the four entrepreneurial grants but was not involved in the judging, a hush fell over the crowd for the announcement of the winners. The first award went to Katherine Dickson of Guapa Films, who will use the grant to prepare a film focusing on the struggles of Latina women in America. Next, Teri Gaberman of Berni and Murcer: Friends for Life won for her adorable line of stuffed toys that are given to very ill children who require long hospital stays. The third winner was Andrea Green from The Connecticut Cookie Company who uses only pure ingredients for her confections, including making her own vanilla from her grandmother’s recipe.
Kathy McShane, Managing Director of Ladies Who Launch – Connecticut, looked out over the crowd. “The final award goes to the eight Connecticut authors of Just Ordinary Moms to help fund their upcoming sequel that will feature true stories from military moms throughout the country.”
In a radio interview the following day, Linda Spevacek explained how the grant will be used. “Military moms need a safe outlet where they can share their true feelings, fears, hopes and pride. Some of these moms are having difficulty writing their stories down because of the tender and raw subject matter. The grant will be used to evolve our business model to obtain these stories based on interviews instead, then engaging professionals to transcribe and polish the work, so that these important stories can be told.”
“We loved the Just Ordinary Moms concept,” said one of the three award judges. “They are doing something that has not been done, and it matters so much.”
Do you have a story to tell? The authors are collecting stories for several sequel books, including Just Ordinary Moms Too, Just Ordinary Military Moms, and Just Ordinary Pets. Stories by Dads and Kids are also welcome for future endeavors. For more information, contact the authors and submit your story idea online at www.JustOrdinaryMoms.com.
After inspiring remarks by Linda McMahon, who funded the four entrepreneurial grants but was not involved in the judging, a hush fell over the crowd for the announcement of the winners. The first award went to Katherine Dickson of Guapa Films, who will use the grant to prepare a film focusing on the struggles of Latina women in America. Next, Teri Gaberman of Berni and Murcer: Friends for Life won for her adorable line of stuffed toys that are given to very ill children who require long hospital stays. The third winner was Andrea Green from The Connecticut Cookie Company who uses only pure ingredients for her confections, including making her own vanilla from her grandmother’s recipe.
Kathy McShane, Managing Director of Ladies Who Launch – Connecticut, looked out over the crowd. “The final award goes to the eight Connecticut authors of Just Ordinary Moms to help fund their upcoming sequel that will feature true stories from military moms throughout the country.”
In a radio interview the following day, Linda Spevacek explained how the grant will be used. “Military moms need a safe outlet where they can share their true feelings, fears, hopes and pride. Some of these moms are having difficulty writing their stories down because of the tender and raw subject matter. The grant will be used to evolve our business model to obtain these stories based on interviews instead, then engaging professionals to transcribe and polish the work, so that these important stories can be told.”
“We loved the Just Ordinary Moms concept,” said one of the three award judges. “They are doing something that has not been done, and it matters so much.”
Do you have a story to tell? The authors are collecting stories for several sequel books, including Just Ordinary Moms Too, Just Ordinary Military Moms, and Just Ordinary Pets. Stories by Dads and Kids are also welcome for future endeavors. For more information, contact the authors and submit your story idea online at www.JustOrdinaryMoms.com.