For Immediate Release
2009 Women of Distinction Honorees Recognized
WAUKESHA, Wis. -- (May 6, 2008) -- Six area women were recognized at the 25th Annual Waukesha County Women of Distinction Luncheon held today at the Country Springs Hotel and Conference Center to a sellout crowd of almost 600. Joyce Garbaciak, WISN 12’s award-winning journalist, served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the fifth consecutive year. The awards recognize women living or working in Waukesha County who have demonstrated qualities of outstanding leadership and excellence in their professional endeavors and/or community involvement. They are women whose efforts have improved the quality of life in their communities.
Honored this year as 2009 Women of Distinction were Kate Bloomberg of Brookfield, Mary Lodes of Pewaukee and Joan Shafer of Pewaukee. Sandy Wolff and Robin Busalacchi of Brookfield were named the Family of Women of Distinction, and Megan McNulty of Waukesha was named the Young Woman of Tomorrow. Honorees were presented with limited edition prints from the "Dream of Me" portfolio of photographer Sylke Vonk.
Grants totaling over $47,000 were also presented at the luncheon from the Women and Girls Fund of Waukesha County to the following organizations for their important programming:
- ACAP - $4,000 - Personal safety education programs for women and young female adults with disabilities
- ARCh - $4,000 - Camp Pow Wow scholarships for girls and women with disabilities
- Big Brothers Big Sisters - $3,500 - Female youth recruitment for matching with Big Sisters in Waukesha County
- Family Service of Waukesha County - $5,000 - Forensic interviewer position at the C.A.R.E. Center
- Girls Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast - $2,500 - Latina Initiative for skill development workshop and day camp for Waukesha girls
- Healthy Families of Waukesha County - $5,000 - Program support for child abuse prevention and parenting skills education
- Lake Area Free Clinic - $11,500 - Bilingual case manager position
- Pregnancy Support Connection - $4,000 - Prenatal and parenting education for at-risk teens and young women
- The Women's Center - $7,500 - Domestic violence counselor position
Grants are being donated in the honorees’ names to the following organizations:
- Elmbrook Senior Taxi - $1,000 on recommendation of Family of Women of Distinction honorees Sandy Wolff and daughter Robin Busalacchi
- Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast - $1,000 on recommendation of Women of Distinction honoree Joan Shafer
- Interfaith Senior Programs - $1,000 on recommendation of Women of Distinction honoree Mary Lodes
- Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts - $1,000 on recommendation of Women of Distinction honoree Kathryn Bloomberg
- Waukesha Community Art Project - $1,000 on recommendation of Young Woman of Tomorrow honoree Megan McNulty
Congratulations to both the 2009 honorees and grant recipients for their important contributions to our communities.
To make a contribution to the Women and Girls Fund of Waukesha County or for more information, contact Dave Schultz at 262-513-1861 or email to wccf@waukeshafoundation.org.
About the Women and Girls Fund
The Women and Girls Fund of Waukesha County supports programs and organizations that help women and girls overcome obstacles and achieve success. Grants focus on programs that offer education arts, cultural opportunities, and health and human services. The Women and Girls Fund is a permanent fund of the Waukesha County Community Foundation. For more information, visit
www.waukeshafoundation.org.
Photo captions:
Women of Distinction Honorees (from left to right) Joan Schafer of Pewaukee, Kate Bloomberg of Brookfield, and Mary Lodes of Pewaukee, along with Young Woman of Tomorrow Honoree Megan McNulty
Family of Women of Distinction Honoree Sandy Wolff of Brookfield
Family of Women of Distinction Honoree Robin Busalacchi of Brookfield
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Contacts:
Name: Dave Schultz
Company: Waukesha County Community Foundation
Phone: 262-513-1861
Email: dschultz@waukeshafoundation.org