Girl Scout of Connecticut Honor Rabbi Donna Berman at Breakfast Badge

Rabbi Berman Receives Award from State Girl Scout Council

 (HARTFORD, Conn., December 19, 2008) - Girl Scouts of Connecticut announced Rabbi Donna Berman of Hartford as this year's Breakfast Badge Award recipient at an early morning ceremony on December 5 at The Hartford Club.  Donna was awarded a unique badge which portrays two hands holding the world with the Hebrew characters for tikkun olam below the stitched symbol.  Tikkun olam means "repairing the world through acts of justice" - a practice which Rabbi Berman has followed throughout her life.  She is the Executive Director of the Charter Oak Cultural Center and has received many other awards that recognize her dedication to making the world a better place, a prime Girl Scout objective.  

In an emotional speech, Ms. Berman acknowledged the importance of Girl Scouting in her life, "I'm deeply honored to receive this award because it says to me that, in some small way, I have been true to the things I learned as a Girl Scout.  In fact, I believe that my work at the Charter Oak Cultural Center is an outgrowth of the values inculcated in me in Girl Scouting, values that can be described with the Hebrew term, tikkun olam, repairing the world."  At the close of her speech, Donna acknowledged, "my mother was a Girl Scout leader and, as I grew from the experience of scouting, so did she.   I watched my mother, whose name was Blossom, well...blossom.  She went from being a quiet, shy, reserved person to being a confident, bold woman."  As Donna took her seat, the room in one swift motion rose with a standing ovation. 

Girl Scout and Gold Award recipient Kathleen Campbell of Glastonbury spoke prior to Rabbi Berman's inspiring words.  She talked about her Gold Award project and her volunteer work of collecting donations for refugees from Somalia, Thailand, and Bhutan. Going above and beyond her project requirements, Kathleen organized field trips for local, refugee children.  During a trip to a 4-H farm, she witnessed a young girl juggling and discovered that she had learned how to do this by waiting in line for water at a refugee camp.  "It was during this time, as well as many other times throughout my project, that I felt I achieved what Girl Scouts are always trying to do; connecting girls around the world.  It really does happen."  Kathleen has applied to several New England colleges and is planning on pursuing a career in law.

Through the generosity of many sponsors, this 12th annual event raised over $25,000,
which will be used to provide Girl Scout programming for girls.  To find out how to get involved or partner with Girl Scouts of Connecticut, please visit http://www.gsofct.org/.

  About Girl Scouts of Connecticut

Girl Scouts of Connecticut is the premier organization for girls in the state - providing over 65,000 girls and adults with opportunities and experiences that develop their potential and empower them with the self-confidence and leadership skills to improve themselves and the world around them.

For further information, contact 1(800) 922-2770

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