Pam Wright
Five women have received ‘Women of Excellence’ awards from the Sarnia Community Foundation.
“These are women who support one another, who work on common goals, who help other people achieve their dreams and who share their gifts willingly,” said executive director Jane Anema.
The 2016 winners are:
Katherine Scimmi:
Scimmi is an owner and managing partner at McKenzie & Blundy Funeral Home, where she began as a secretary. She has used her grief counselor experience to organize trauma response seminars and high school student presentations on death and dying. She has chaired or served as a board member at organizations that include Bluewater Health, Victim Services and Pathways.
Julie Jenkins:
A full-time realtor with Exit Realty, Jenkins is the driving force behind Women in Networking, LinkedIn Lunches and building with Habitat for Humanity. She leads the local Toastmasters, is a co-founder of the Sarnia Modern Women Show and started a food drive in her own neighbourhood.
Holly Wenning:
A media veteran with a passion for the performing arts, Wenning is active with Theatre Sarnia and is a driving force behind the Stars of Tomorrow Musical Theatre Camp and the Expressive Arts Program at Pathways, where she recently helped stage a 40th anniversary show. She helps many non-profit with event publicity and is the editor and sales manager of First Monday Business Magazine.
Lori Mitchell:
A breast cancer survivor, Mitchell owns Silhouettes Boutique and provides fitting and fashion consulting while helping others through @Look Good, Feel Good and the Sarnia-Lambton Breast Cancer Support Group. She also provides free bras to the Women’s Interval Home and mastectomy needs to Canadian women who would otherwise go without.
Laurissa Ellsworth:
Ellsworth is known for her tireless volunteering and creative approach. She is part of the Petrolia’s senior management team, focusing on marketing and special events. She is also a volunteer with the local Optimist Club and champions a variety of local causes.
The awards will be presented June 7 at The Sarnia Riding Club, starting at 5 p.m. Tickets, $50, are available by calling 519-332-2588.
Proceeds to support the Women’s Interval Home and Blue Eyes Big Heart SCF Scholarships.