DEARBORN, MI – The YWCA of Western Wayne County is proud to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Women of Achievement Awards Luncheon. This year’s special celebration takes place at The Henry (Formerly Ritz Carlton) in Dearborn on Friday, December 2, 2011 at 12:00 p.m.
The YWCA Women of Achievement Award Luncheon magnifies the mission of the YWCA by empowering women and eliminating racism through the rich history of many outstanding women who have been recognized and honored by the community for their contributions.
The Keynote speaker will be Federal Prosecutor, Barbara McQuade. Barbara L. McQuade is the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. She was appointed by President Barack Obama, and began serving on January 4, 2010. Before becoming U.S. Attorney, McQuade served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Detroit for 12 years. She was Deputy Chief of the National Security Unit, where she prosecuted cases involving terrorism financing, foreign agents, export violations, and threats. During her career as a federal prosecutor, McQuade has also prosecuted cases involving violent crime, fraud, narcotics, racketeering, and cybercrime. Born in Detroit, McQuade is a 1987 graduate of the University of Michigan and a 1991 graduate of the University of Michigan Law School.
In addition to the Woman of the Year, the YWCA Women of Achievement Luncheon will recognize eight outstanding honorees in the areas of Communication or The Arts, Business Leadership/Entrepreneurship, Government and Law, Leadership in Education, Dedicated Volunteer, Young Woman/Professional, Senior Woman, and Health/Wellness.
Nominations for the 2011 Women of Achievement Awards are currently being accepted. Nomination forms can be obtained by visiting the YWCA Western Wayne County website.
The event will offer a Holiday Shopping Boutique and a Silent Auction.
Attendees can look forward to shopping with 20 exhibitors showcasing their products and services in the Holiday Boutique. The boutique will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The exhibitors enjoy category exclusivity and include clothing and accessories, linens and comfortwear, home accessories, jewelry and more. Each exhibitor will donate an item to the silent auction. Booth spaces are only $100 and include a ticket to the luncheon. Businesses can make inquiries for booth space to Julie Sullivan via email at [email protected] or by phone at 313.586.7481. According to Ms. Sullivan, this is perfect opportunity to support a worthy cause while at the same time enjoying some “retail therapy” and help with holiday shopping lists.
The silent auction will take place during the luncheon and is a fund raising event in support of the YWCA of Western Wayne County programs. The organization is seeking donations. Donations can be made to the YWCA Western Wayne County office at 26279 Michigan Ave, Inkster Michigan. Arrangements for pickup of donations can be made by writing to [email protected].
The organization is actively campaigning for sponsors. Seven sponsorship levels are available ranging from $500 to $25,000. The deadline for sponsorship is October 28, 2011. To obtain a sponsorship package, please contact the co-chairs or [email protected].
According, to the co-chairs, Jennifer Giering and Patti Dancik, the group has a goal to raise $100,000 from sponsors and proceeds from the silent auction and boutique. All funds raised stay in the Western Wayne County area and support existing programs for women and children such as the Corporate Clothing Closet, Head Start, Great Start Readiness Program, YWCA Internship Program, IDA program and the Stand Against Racism. New programs that may be added from the funding will include the YWCA Mentoring Program, a support groups for adolescents, females and families that have survived domestic violence, Financial literacy, and a computer lab and training with a systems navigator to support the women, children and families of the YWCA of Western Wayne County.
Tickets for the luncheon are $50 and can be purchased in advance by visiting the YWCA Western Wayne County website or by emailing the organization at [email protected].