Windsor Woman Honored For Philanthropy

Laura Soll-Broxterman is a familiar face around Windsor . A diminutive woman, her boisterous personality has allowed her to make a great impact on the Greater Hartford community; she is always friendly and eager to meet new people. 

She has been working with local companies and charitable service organization for years to make their goals a reality through her business, . Soll-Broxterman began her career in the media in 1980 when she took on a position at Channel 3, a position that required her to create promotions and gave her an opportunity to find her niche in community relations.  That same year, she began working with Channel 3’s Kid’s Camp, providing a link between the community and the camp and assisting them to meet their financial goals through fundraising efforts.    

Formerly known as Times Farm Camp, Channel 3 adopted the children’s camp when the Times, a local paper, went out of business. The camp offers thousands of children the opportunity to spend a good part of their summer in a natural environment through their overnight camp and day programs. Children ages 6 - 16 participate in programs throughout the year. 

“I produced the TV spots that encouraged people to support the camp and acted as a liaison between the camp and the community,” recalled Soll-Broxterman about her role in the 1980’s. That role began what would become her love affair with the mission of the camp, and would spark a further desire for Soll-Broxterman to involve herself with many local charities, sometimes for pay, but very often pro bono.  In addition to publicity for the camp, she has helped refurbish a roof or two, painted and gardened to make the camp as wonderful as it is for the overnight campers. “The board is very hands-on,” said Soll-Broxterman. “They are really passionate about the camp.”

Publicity and fundraising have been a perfect match for the Windsor resident who said she  "loves telling stories." Her story-telling ability and her desire to see local charities meet their goals have worked in synch. 

“I was raised by parents who instilled in me very early the importance of giving back,” she said.  “I also really love helping people. I really feel it is my responsibility to help them pay it forward,” she said.  She is also quick to thank a supportive husband, Paul.  “He made it easy for me all through the years. I have been really fortunate.”

In addition to Channel 3 Kid’s Camp, Soll-Broxterman has donated her services to Bloomfield-based Foodshare, which helps to feed thousands of in-need families throughout Hartford and Tolland Counties, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. She is an active member of Congregation Beth Ahm, in Windsor. She was also a founding member of the Citizens for a United Windsor, a group formed about 20 years ago that is dedicated to connecting the diverse cultures we find here in Windsor. Definitely not comfortable with being on the receiving end of praise, Soll-Broxterman is quick to point anyone to the mission of these organizations and the valuable results they receive from any publicity she has a hand in.

For all she has contributed to Channel 3 Kids Camp and the Greater Hartford area, Soll-Broxterman will be honored Fri., May 13 during the camp's Spring Philanthropy Luncheon at the Hartford Marriott Downtown.

“Laura has been an outstanding board member for thirty years,” said Denise K. Hornbecker the Executive Director for Channel 3’s Kid’s Camp. 

“She has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the camp.  She works tirelessly for us. If you need something, you go to Laura.  She’s a little dynamo.  I wish I had 20 of her.”

For more information about the camp, go to www.channel3kidscamp.org.