The nominees for Woman of the Year 2013 come from a variety of backgrounds but they have one thing in common — their dedication to making the community a better place.
The 11 nominees, put forward by community members, and their nominators were introduced at a Vernon Women in Business reception Wednesday evening at City Furniture, one of the sponsors of the program, which is in its 26th year.
They are Ann Cotton, Ruth Hoyte, Deb Leroux, Trudy McGrath, Melina Moore, Dalvir Nahal, Claire Radford, Ryan Robson, Dawn Roy, Linda Wills and Nancy Wilson.
“We are delighted with the number of nominees this year. They represent a broad range,” said Colleen Barker, Woman of the Year event chairperson.
“They are not all business women — they are women who have made important contributions to the community in so many ways. We want to honour all these women. We thank all our sponsors for helping this grow to be a prestigious event in Vernon.”
The nominees and their nominators will enjoy several pre-events before the Woman of the Year gala at the Prestige Hotel May 9.
The Woman of the Year is selected by an independent panel of judges not associated with Vernon Women in Business.
“I love recognizing these women. We have so many amazing women in our community,” said Angela Yablonski, who is organizing the pre-events which will include a zumba evening at Curves, pampering by Mary Kay and time at the Equine Connection with Wendy Elrick.
“Sometimes the nominees don’t all know each other even though they have been active in the community for years. This is a chance for them to have fun and for us to show that we appreciate each one of them.”
Mary Williamson, Woman of the Year 2012, looked back on her year.
She continued her volunteer work and is now in her 52nd year of nursing.
“It’s been fabulous. It’s such an honour that I’m still humbled by the thought. The nominators have done a lot of work. I congratulate all the nominees. You are all winners.”
Vernon Women in Business president Krista Harris had some words of advice for the nominees.
“Be aware of how much love you are getting here. You have all done a ton of things for our community. This is what people have wanted to tell you all these years — how much you mean to everyone,” she said.
This year’s gala event where the Woman of the Year 2013 is announced takes on what Barker calls an academy awards style with a wine and cheese reception to start.
Then the nominees will be introduced and the Woman of the Year announced with an after party to follow.
Tickets are available at www.vwib.com.
