For those that attended Tuesday’s YWCA of Niagara’s 2009 Niagara Awards: A Tribute to Women event it was easy to see how each of the 30+ nominees were chosen.
Coming from all over the county and all walks of life, the women have made a real difference in the community.
From this pretty impressive list, eight award winners were chosen. It couldn’t have been an easy task.
To give readers a better idea of who Tuesday’s winners were, we’re running a little more info on them, courtesy of the YWCA of Niagara. We’ve all met Lifetime Achievement Award winner Dorothy Webster, thanks to a Gazette centerpiece on Sept. 20. Here are Tuesday’s other winners:
• EDUCATION AWARD: Judith Willard — The assistant to the president for planning at Niagara University, Willard has worked at NU for the past 37 years and has received several awards from the college, including the Medal of Honor.
• ENTREPRENEUR AWARD: Lisa Blas — A Lockport physical therapist, Blas created and coordinated fundraising tournaments and races that have benefited many worthy charities. She’s also the force behind the “Dream and Believe Foundation.”
• FRONT LINE AWARD: Annette Argona Tomlin — Is involved with several groups including the United Way, Relay for Life and Locks of Love. She also raises money for many causes by running 5-K races. She is a business development officer with First Niagara Bank.
• HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AWARD: Ann Marie Tucker — The executive director of the Child Advocacy Center of Niagara at Memorial Medical Center, she is an expert on child sexual abuse and rape. She is often cited for her dedication to her work and her cause, according to the YWCA.
• MANAGEMENT AWARD: Joan Aul — The administrative vice president of M&T; Bank also serves USA Niagara Development Corp., Lockport YMCA and works with St. John the Baptist Church and the Niagara County IDA Revolving Loan Fund.
• PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD: Lora Allen — The Democratic deputy commissioner at the Niagara County Board of Elections, Allen is also an associate minister with the Bethany Baptist Church. Her extensive volunteer service includes the Niagara County Commission on the Status of Women, the Niagara Falls NFC, the YWCA of Niagara and the New York state Democratic Committee.
• YOUTH AWARD: Mary Moley-Palacios’ English class from Wilson High School — Taking on a Service Learning Project, the class raised funds for the Niagara County Safe House for abused women and children. They raised funds for a playground and gave additional funds and supplies to the Safe House.
Congratulations to all the winners.
