By Joe Olenick
When the Rev. Lora Allen was told by YWCA of Niagara CEO Kathleen Granchelli that she was an award nominee, Allen responded with some reasons why she shouldn’t be a nominee. Granchelli told Allen she should just go with it and accept the nomination.
“She said take it like a man and accept it,” Allen said.
Allen was the recipient of the YWCA’s Public Service Award, one of eight given out Tuesday night at the agency’s annual Niagara Awards: A Tribute to Women. The awards ceremony began in 1997 to recognize the achievements of Niagara County women. Beginning in 2006, the Lifetime Achievement Award was introduced, and Tuesday night, Lockport’s Dorothy Webster was the recipient. She, too, couldn’t believe it when Granchelli called her about it.
“I thought she was kidding,” Webster said. “ Then I thought she had me confused with somebody else.”
Webster was recognized for her work with a variety of community groups, such as the Dale Association and Cub Scouts. When her name was announced, the entire audience rose to their feet to applaud.
But the night’s first standing ovation didn’t go to an award winner, but rather a group of award winners. Students from Mary Moley-Palacios’s English class at Wilson High School won the Youth Award for their work raising money for the Niagara County Safe House, a domestic violence shelter. The students raised about $2,000, which was used for a playground and supplies at the shelter.
Moley-Palacios said it was the kids’ excitement that made the project work. The students learned about domestic violence and wanted to help any way they could.
“When you have 15 kids who want to do something, it’s like riding a bronco,” she said.
Other award winners include Judith Willard, Education Award; Ann Marie Tucker, the Health and Human Services Award; Annette Argona Tomlin, the Front Line Award; and Lisa Bilas, the Entrepreneur Award. Bilas was recognized for her work with many fundraising events and charities, including the “Dream and Believe Foundation,” which offers scholarships in honor of Kevin Everett, a former tight end for the Buffalo Bills.
“I know each of them are worthy,” Bilas said of her fellow nominees. “We have something in common. We want everything around us to be better.”
Tomlin said she didn’t have a speech prepared.
“I’m so shocked,” she said. “All of these successful women who give back to their community, I thought I could give more, I could do better. I am truly honored.”
Joan Aul won the Management Award for her work with USA Niagara Development, the Lockport YMCA, St. John the Baptist Church and many other community organizations. She thanked everyone who she worked with at community events and her fellow nominees.
“What I’ve done pales in comparison,” Aul said.
2009 YWCA NIAGARA AWARDS
• LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: Dorothy Webster
• YOUTH AWARD: Mary Moley-Palacios’ English class from Wilson High School
• PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD: Lora Allen
• MANAGEMENT AWARD: Joan Aul
• HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AWARD: Ann Marie Tucker
• FRONT LINE AWARD: Annette Argona Tomlin
• ENTREPRENEUR AWARD: Lisa Bilas
• EDUCATION AWARD: Judith Willard
