14 WOMEN OF DISTINCTION NOMINEES ARE IMPRESSIVE

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

MUSKOKA — There are thousands of inspiring women in Muskoka

And each year the YWCA recognizes some of them. And the impressive list is growing again.

This year, 14 local women have been nominated for a prestigious Women of Distinction Award — an award presented annually by YWCA Muskoka to women who go above and beyond for their community and inspire others to as well.

And what an impressive list of candidates, with CVs that make Muskoka great.

Nominees, nominators, sponsors, staff and volunteers gathered at a reception held at YWCA Muskoka in Bracebridge Oct. 8, where they were introduced to the full slate of nominees for this year’s gala event.

The Women of Distinction Awards Gala is a signature YWCA fundraising event that celebrates women’s accomplishments and is recognized through YWCA chapters across the country.

“Over 250 women in Muskoka have been nominated since the award’s inception in 2003,” said Hannah Lin, executive director of YWCA Muskoka. “These women are catalysts for change and are breaking new ground and old barriers to improved the lives of others”.

2019 Nominees: (in alphabetical order)

  • Kim Aitken, Huntsville
  • Margaret Dollar, Utterson
  • Ellen Duffield, Rosseau
  • Patti Hanrath, Huntsville
  • Erin Kerr, Bracebridge
  • Diane Litchfield, Huntsville
  • Marie Lloyd, Huntsville
  • Karen Patterson, Huntsville
  • J’aime Payne, Huntsville
  • Darlene Poirer, Utterson
  • Cailan Punnewaert, Rosseau
  • Kai Rannick, Kearney
  • Kalleen Turchet, Bracebridge
  • Sandra Winspear, Bracebridge

The awards will be presented on Friday, Oct. 25 at Grandview’s Mark O’Meara golf club in Huntsville.

Tickets can be purchased at www.ywcamuskoka.com and attendees can reserve their own seats online. They can also be purchased at the YWCA Office at 440 Ecclestone Dr., Bracebridge.

Silent auction items are also being accepted. Contact the YWCA to donate: 705-645-9827 or [email protected].

The nominees are, front left: J’aime Payne and Cailan Punnewaert. Middle row Sandra Winspear, Darlene Poirier, Kalleen Turchet, Marie Lloyd, Diane Litchfield and Karen Patterson. Back row, Ellen Duffield, Erin Kerr, Kai Rannick, Margaret Dollar and Kim Aitken. Absent Patti Hanrath. (YWCA Muskoka photo)

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