Each year YWCAs across the nation host events to honor exceptional woman leaders who live its mission: eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
YWCA Princeton will bestow its distinguished Tribute to Women Awards on eight women on Thursday, March 6, at the Hyatt Regency Princeton. It also will award its highest honor, the Waxwood Award.
“This event enables us to recognize women who may otherwise go unrecognized,” said CEO Judy Hutton. “We have so many incredible leaders in this area. This is a chance for us to thank them on behalf of the community. This program is special because it’s women honoring women who are making a difference.”
The Tribute to Women honorees are:
• Kristin Appelget, Director of Community and Regional Affairs, Princeton University
• Joan Bartl, President, Payment Management Systems
• Sheila Berkelhammer, Past President, Princeton Community Housing
• Barbara Flythe, Community Volunteer and elder of Witherspoon Presbyterian Church
• Danielle Gletow, Founder, One Simple Wish, CNN Hero
• Amy Rabner, Community Leader, Philanthropist
• Jigna Rao, Healthcare Advocate (tuberculosis and global issues)
• Ann Reichelderfer, Shareholder, Stevens and Lee and Board Member, Princeton Area Community Foundation
The Waxwood Award recipient is Jane Dennison, a long-time supporter of the YWCA Princeton. The award is named for Susie Waxwood, the first African-American CEO of YWCA Princeton (1958-1968). It is not awarded yearly, but rather only when there is a worthy candidate.
“Jane has been a YWCA member since she was 9 years old,” Hutton noted. “At 91, she’s still a phenomenal supporter. She was part of the group that literally went door-to-door to raise funds for the Bramwell House next door that became the home for many mission-oriented programs, such as the Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC), ESL, book clubs, and more. It’s about time we honored her.”
Tickets and sponsorships are still available for the awards dinner on Thursday, March 6, at the Hyatt Regency Princeton. The event is co-chaired by Linda Richter of Personal Paperwork Solutions … and More, Inc., and Georgianne Vinicombe of Monday Morning Flower and Balloon Co. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. with a cocktail reception; dinner and program begin at 6:15. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ywcaprinceton.org/tribute. Information may be obtained by contacting Joanne McGann at jmcgann@ywcaprinceton.org or 609-497-2100, ext. 333.
“A lot of people don’t just see us as that corner in Princeton,” Hutton said. “They recognize that we are a part of a global movement to eliminate racism and empower women. That’s what sets us apart from other community centers. We invite men, women, boys, and girls to come and learn more about our programs and become a part of our YWCA family.”
YWCA Princeton, 59 Paul Robeson Place, Princeton. 609-497-2100. Fax 609-924-8644. ywca@ywcaprinceton.org. www.ywcaprinceton.o
