Central Massachusetts’ Woman of the Year

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Wednesday, January 02, 2013

GoLocalWorcester News Team

Woman of the Year: Enduring Spirit of Brit

It has been nearly three years since a vicious earthquake decimated the island of Hispaniola and killed more than 250,000 in Haiti.

One of the many losses was 19 year old Britney “Brit” Gengel of Rutland, whose goals and spirit have become a literal movement both for her family and many who live in Central Massachusetts.

The Gengel Family Legacy

The Gengel family and many of her friends created an ongoing effort to improve Haiti through a non-profit, “whose mission is to serve the children of Haiti by establishing a safe, nurturing and sustainable orphanage in an environment where they can grow, learn and thrive.”

While many of the headlines have faded regarding Be Like Brit and the rebuilding efforts in Haiti, the efforts of the non-profit have continued without letting up and continue to make progress toward the realization of a safe orphanage and learning center in Haiti.

A Community Effort

Now, bank executives, furniture stores, Becker College students, and many others have donated their time, money and energy to support the effort. The orphanage is in full development and to date more than $800,000 has been raised.

For the community effort, the Gengel family’s love and commitment, and Britney Gengel’s hopes, Be Like Brit is GoLocalWorcester’s selection as Centrtal Massachusetts' Woman of the Year.

If you are interested in supporting the effort - please click here.