The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama will recognize ten outstanding women at their annual Central Alabama Women of Distinction Luncheon, Thursday, March 4, 2010 at The Harbert Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Central Alabama Women of Distinction Luncheon will honor women from Jefferson, Shelby, Walker, Blount and Chilton counties.
The Women of Distinction program pays tribute to women who have made special contributions to their community through civic, academic or professional involvement This year's Women of Distinction honorees are:
-Judy Benson of Clanton, CRH, HR Director, North America, Inc.
-Moanica Caston of Birmingham, Vice President, General Counsel, Southern Nuclear Operations
-Sara Hamlin of Birmingham, Vice President of Tourism, The Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau
-Mildred Lanier of Pelham, Business Management Instructor, Jefferson State Community College
-Darlene Negrotto of Leeds, President and CEO, Vulcan Park Foundation
-Dr. Claire Peel of Homewood, Associate Provost, University of Alabama at Birmingham
-Carole Marcus Pizitz of Birmingham, Civic Leader
-Marianne Prime of Birmingham, EVP, Tech Support Services, BBVA Compass
-Ruth Strong of Birmingham, Retired Superintendent, Birmingham City Schools.
In addition, Donna Dearman Smith of Birmingham, HR Director, Alabama Power, will be honored with the Mildred Bell Johnson Award, the Council’s highest adult honor. The award is given annually to a woman who has a prior affiliation with Girl Scouting and has made a lifelong contribution to her community by distinguishing herself through professional, community or humanitarian efforts. The Mildred Bell Johnson honoree serves as a role model for past, present and future Girl Scouts.
Bettina Boateng of NBC13HD will serve as the Emcee. Chairing the Luncheon are Mariah Chapman, SVP and Manager, Treasury Management Operations, BBVA Compass; and Lois Woodward, Partner at Balch & Bingham L.L.P. Committee members include Leann Barr, Julie Carter, Majorie Davis-Trimm, April Deal, Sue Esleck, Debra Goldstein, Tessa Hughes, Susan Bevill Livingston, Ann McMillan, Peggie Myles, Margaret Ritchie, Chris Ross, Alice Williams and Cutressa Williams.
Several Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts will also be honored at the Luncheon for earning their Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. These young ladies from around the community will be recognized for their leadership projects. The Gold Award requires over 65 hours of planning, community service and evaluations.
This is the largest fund raising event of the year. Proceeds from the Women of Distinction Luncheon provide direct support to Girl Scouts in North-Central Alabama, which serves more than 14,000 girls and an additional 5,000 in special programs across 36 counties. The signature sponsor is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. Primary Benefactors include: ACIPCO, Balch & Bingham LLP, BBVA Compass, b Metro magazine, Brookwood Medical Center, Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, Mercedes-Benz, Carole & Michael Pizitz, Protective Life Corporation and Southern Company Services, Inc. Many other local companies and individuals have generously sponsored additional corporate tables. For more information on sponsorships, please contact Margaret Ritchie at 800-734-4541 x127.
