Elgin YWCA Leader Luncheon Award recipients announced

The YWCA Elgin hosted its 30th Annual Leader Luncheon on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at the Seville, Streamwood, IL. Over 350 guests, composed of nominees, past recipients and Leader Luncheon chairs, award judges, corporate sponsors and members of the community attended the event which celebrates the accomplishments of area women.

Keynote speaker Catherine Kay, a member of the Secretary of State’s Policy Planning Staff in Washington D.C., discussed her role and service as U.S. Consul General in Thessaloniki, Greece and her previous Foreign Service assignments throughout the world. Kay is the daughter of Carol Elias, former director of the YWCA Elgin.

The event honors women in the Elgin area that have made significant contributions in the arts, business and professions, communications/technology, education, public service, social service, volunteer/community service, racial justice and corporate awards.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Marlene Shales of Elgin for over 60 years of dedicated community service. The Bear family of Bearco Management Corp./McDonald’s , including Jerry and Marcelle Bear and their son David Bear, were recognized with this year’s Corporate Award for their commitment to women employees and their community business leadership.

Leader Luncheon awards were presented to:

Margaret Hillis Award for the Arts - Rise Jones, Hamilton Wings.

Beatrice Dorsey Award for Business and Professions - Linda Deering, Sherman Health.

Marguerite Henry Award for Communications - Kim Gilmore, Gilmore Marketing Concepts.

Harriet Gifford Award for Education - Carole Peto, educator, U-46.

Myrtle Spiegler Gerberding Award for Public Service - Susan Harney, Dundee Township Supervisor.

Marie Grolich Award for Social Services – Marlene Pokorny, Oak Crest Residence.

Marjorie Leonard Award for Community Service – Deanna Young.

Racial Justice – Kimberly Spagui.

For more information visit www.ywcaelgin.org or call the YWCA at 847-742-7930.