Centennial awards gala recognizes alumnae of courage, confidence and character
In conjunction with the yearlong 2012 centennial celebration, Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys will recognize 100 stellar alumnae who exemplify the culture, values, diversity and spirit of the Girl Scout Movement. Hosted by River Valleys’ Centennial Champion and Carlson Chair Marilyn Carlson Nelson, the event happens on Saturday, April 21, at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Nominated by friends, family, coworkers and community members and selected by a volunteer committee, each of the Centennial Award Honorees and three honorable “men”tions embody the qualities of courage, confidence, character and community contribution that Girl Scouts strive to develop in girls.
The five award categories include: Trailblazer, Guide, Forever Green, Community Champion and Women of Promise. A brief description of each award category is listed below.
* Trailblazer Honoree-Alumnae whose pioneering efforts opened the door for other women to follow.
* Guide Honoree-Alumnae who have distinguished themselves as mentors to others.
* Community Champion Honoree-Alumnae who have made significant contributions as volunteers within their own community, or on a regional or national level.
* Forever Green Honoree-Alumnae who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, exceptional service and an extraordinary dedication to the Girl Scout Movement.
* Women of Promise Honoree-Alumnae, age 35 and under, who have distinguished themselves in their profession and/or community.
“After 100 years of building strong women and friendships, it’s time to celebrate the extraordinary successes of all our Girl Scout alumnae, including our 100 honorees who exemplify what can be achieved when Girl Scouts is part of your foundation for life,” said River Valley’s CEO Linda Keene. Distinguished honorees include:
* Ann Bancroft-Co-Founder, Bancroft Arnesen Explore; Founder, Ann Bancroft Foundation
* Angie Bastian-President and Founder, Angie’s Kettle Corn
* Sharon Sayles Belton-Vice President, Government Affairs and Community Relations, Thomson Reuters; Former Mayor of Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Jacquie Berglund-Chief Executive Officer, FINNEGANS
* Mary Lee Dayton-Founder, Women’s Foundation of Minnesota; Community Philanthropist
* Melisa L-pez Franzen-Employee Relations Consultant, Target Corporation
* Jane Freeman-Former First Lady of Minnesota; Past National President, Girl Scouts of
* the USA
* Roxanne Marie Givens-Principal and Founder, Minnesota African American Museum
* Diane Lilly-Executive Vice President of Government Relations, Wells Fargo & Company
* Sona Mehring-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, CaringBridge
* Joan Mondale-Arts Advocate and Former Second Lady of the United States
* Val Vargas-Executive Director and Founder, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Minnesota
* Lindsay Whalen-Professional Athlete, Minnesota Lynx
Funds raised at the gala will benefit ConnectZ, an innovative River Valleys’ program that increases access to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for girls from low-income and ethnic minority communities. ConnectZ, is delivered at public schools and other community sites across River Valleys’ council.
In addition to the gala and to showcase our long-standing commitment to making the world a better place, River Valleys will also mobilize the Girl Scout community across our 49-county region for a Centennial Day of Service on Oct. 13, 2012. The focus of the project, developed in connection with the Freshwater Society, will be improving water quality through community clean-ups, marking storm drains and education. The estimated value to the State of Minnesota of this one day effort is approximately $6 million.
To learn more about all the Centennial Events, visit GSRV100.org.
Girl Scouts honor 100 of Minnesota’s most influential women
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