Group honors extraordinary women
As we celebrate our fifteenth year of Women of Wisdom, I cannot help but reflect on the 80 women who were so loved by their friends and family that they were honored with being nominated for this lifetime achievement award.
These women have taught us about courage, life, family, commitment and goals. They are our pioneers, ones who have paved the way for all of us in society as leaders in government, environmental issues, in equality and the quiet power of women. Quiet? Yes, quiet. These women needed no platform to shout out their beliefs to the world. They simply spend every day with integrity, dignity and honor.
Some are visionaries, some travelers, teachers, leaders and benefactors. Many overcame heartbreaking adversity. But they all have one very important quality in common: they all serve as an inspiration to others and as a positive example to future generations of women.
You would think that after one had been recognized as a Woman of Wisdom, that she would sit back and say, “Well, it’s about time!”
Hardly. They all have the same reaction: “Me? I haven’t done anything great! I’ve not cured an illness or saved a life or made much money. I don’t deserve this!”
The 17 members of our committee, however, are convinced that they do. And it’s my wish that they leave the Gala presentation with their most-beloved family and friends knowing this honor was truly earned.
Another side effect of being a Woman of Wisdom is that it changes them. I’ve been told by several (and seen first-hand) how they’ve grown and taken on challenges they would not have before.
One WOW took a solo trip to Italy (her kids were terrified!) because she felt this honor lifted her up and made her more daring! She told me that a few other WOWs helped her to decide that she could do it after sitting with them at last year’s Gala.
The committee is currently soliciting nominations for this year’s Women of Wisdom. Letters need to be received no later than April 5. If you nominated a woman in the past and she wasn’t chosen, please submit your nomination again. Often nominees are deserving and meet the criteria but since we only honor five women a year are left for the future.
The Gala Luncheon will be held at the Panhandle State Bank Community Room on June 15 at 11:30 a.m. More information is available at our website: bonnercountywomenofwisdom.shutterfly.com.
KATHY CHAMBERS
Sandpoint
President
Women Honoring Women Committee