Area women will be front and centre for the South Okanagan Women in Need Society gala, fundraiser and awards evening.
The Women Front and Centre Award Gala, the major fundraising event for SOWINS that also celebrates the achievements of women in the South Okanagan, will take place on March 3 at the Penticton Lakeside Resort.
“The nominations really are a wonderful way of recognizing outstanding women in our communities,” said Maimie De Silva, SOWINS board director. “These are women who are outstanding achievers making a unique and exemplary contribution to their communities. Women who inspire us through their creativity, leadership, compassion and dedication. Women who are role models and advocates and use their talents, vision and determination to make our communities a better place.”
Among the categories is an award for courage which is being shared by Rita Chretien and Caroline Hild. Last year, Chretien was found by hunters after being reported missing for seven weeks. The Penticton woman was on a road trip with her husband to attend a convention in Las Vegas when they got led off the track onto a logging road in Idaho where their vehicle got stuck. Her husband, Al Chretien, left their vehicle to seek help and was never seen again.
Other nominees include Gillian Russell - arts; Connie Denesiuk, Barb Haynes, Tracy St. Claire - community contribution; Brenda Barber, Jade Loan Yasmine Thorpe - excellence in instruction; Sylvia Lilley, Michou Szabo, Renee Tompkins - excellence in service; Elaine Gowing, Rebecca Kay, Dianne McEvoy - finance, entrepreneur, business; Dale Belvedere, Wendy Williams - health and wellness; Florence Barton, Joy Pinney - lifetime achievement; Eva Durance, Sharon Evans and Amanda Lewis - volunteerism; and Nikita Afonso - young leader. In the sports category the nominee is the Southern Swoop Seniors Ladies slow pitch softball team which includes Pam Cayer, Bev Fox, Linda Laughlin, Bev Smith, Patti Soroke, Donna Eaton, Barb Dougan, Patricia Macdonald, Marie Boychuk, Sue Ainsworth and Joanne Yelland.
The awards gala will have a retro theme, live music, will feature many silent and live auction items and raffle prizes. Some of the items up for grabs is a box suite for the first Penticton Vees playoff game at the South Okanagan Events Centre, get-away packages in Osoyoos, Summerland and Penticton, spa packages, golf and ski packages and more.
Tickets are available at the Penticton Lakeside Resort, WINGS Thrift Store or by calling 250-493-4366 ext. 100. The tickets are $75 each and include a champagne reception, dinner and dance.