Women are powerful, intelligent, and determined, and when we lift each other up and support one another, our strength only increases. 100 Women Strong, a non-profit organization in Berrien County that ‘acts as a stepping stone that gives women the opportunity to be, and continue to be, self-sufficient’, helps to achieve this by offering financial assistance to Berrien County women in need.
The 9th Annual Leaders of Distinction Luncheon will be held this year on Thursday, October 27th, from 11:30 a.m – 1 p.m at Shadowland Ballroom on Silver Beach. “We began the luncheon in 2012 as a way to shine a light on all of the women in our community that serve as leaders in small and large ways,” says Lynne Christiano, 100 Women Strong Board of Directors Co-chairman. “These women have devoted their professional and personal lives to serving others and living a life of purpose and intent.”
This year’s Leaders of Distinction Honoree is Nicki Britten, former health officer of Berrien County, and current Director of Population Health for Spectrum Health Lakeland. The keynote speaker for this event is Jerry Price, the Lead for Spectrum Health’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Nicki’s tribute will be delivered by JP.
“Jerry Price is a true community leader, in his own right,” says Lynne. “He has spent his professional career supporting organizations in our community that work toward and support diversity and inclusion for each and every one of us. He is warm and welcoming to everyone he meets, and is a dynamic speaker.”
The luncheon is a time for community, friendship, and sharing, and helps financially support the mission of 100 Women Strong. “It is one of only two fundraisers that we hold during the year,” Lynne says. “The monies raised go directly to our fund that covers the emergency financial needs of the women that contact us. We also use the luncheon to hold a “Fund A Need” for our scholarship at Lake Michigan College.” The $1000 scholarship supports female students with passion and drive, and are in need of tuition assistance.
Tickets for the Leaders of Distinction Luncheon are $40 each pre-sale, $45 day-of, and are available for purchase online at 100womenstrongberrien.com. This event would not be possible without generous donors and sponsors, and sincere thanks is extended to: Honor Credit Union, Lake Michigan College, The Cheese Lady, United Federal Credit Union, Water Street Glassworks, Shadowland on Silver Beach, 1st Source Bank, Diamond Factory Service, Donor Sarah Spoonholtz, Sturgis Bank & Trust, and 98.3 The Coast. To make a donation to 100 Women Strong, and find out more information about how they impact the community, please visit 100womenstrong.com.
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
