The nominations are in and the finalists’ names have just been released.
No, I’m not talking the Oscars or Emmys; I am talking about the annual Legacy of Women Awards, which honor women in Tarrant County who simply stand out from the crowd in the areas of the Arts, Business, Education, Health & Human Services and Volunteerism.
For this event, which benefits SafeHaven of Tarrant County, three finalists from the nominations submitted by individuals in the communities, are chosen with one winner named at the luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 2, at the Fort Worth Convention Center.
This year, the guest speaker is Emmy-winning actress Patricia Heaton, who is probably best known for her role as the wife and mother Debra Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond.
This is the 16th year of this event with each year getting bigger than the last.
Readers, this is an event that you definitely want on your calendar, but make no mistake, you cannot wait until the last minute to reserve your spot, because it always sells out early. A table for 10 can be purchased for $1,000, or a table plus two VIP Party tickets $1,250. Individual seats are $100 each.
For tickets, or more information, call 817-535-6462, ext. 119 or e-mail smbrandt@safehaventc.org.
Oh, and the nominees: Arts: Deborah Jung, Ann Koonsman and Jill "J.R." Labbe, Business: Kellie Fischer, Carol Godbey and Suzi Hill, Education: Patricia "Pat" Harrison, Barbara Herman and Melody Johnson, Health and Human Services: Judi Bishop, Ellen Ray and Emily Youngberg, Volunteerism: Patty Baker, Joy Ann Havran and Cecilia Monacelli. Each of these ladies is truly outstanding and gets applause from me!
Congratulations to you all!
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While you are updating your calendar make sure you turn the page to November and mark Saturday, Nov. 1 for the North Texas SNAP Dinner, Dance and Auction: A Magical Evening B’neath the Sea, at the Marriott Solana Hotel in Westlake.
What is truly magical here is this wonderful organization.
North Texas SNAP [Special Needs Assistance Partners] may not be the most recognizable nonprofit in our area, but their work with teenagers and young adults with cognitive disabilities such as Down syndrome, Williams syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, mental retardation, neurological impairment, developmental disability and autism puts them in a league with the best.
Master of ceremonies for the evening will be Scott Murray, and entertainment will be provided by the King Creole Band. Tickets are $75 and can be obtained by calling Marlene Turner at 817-514-0944 or Rita Goodner at 817-475-8724.
Still wondering about North Texas SNAP, Inc.? Check out their Web site at www.ntxsnap.org.