A sold-out crowd of 180 guests gathered at Ramekins Culinary School, Events & Inn to honor Valerie Brown and Harriet Derwingson at the Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation’s 8th Annual Celebration of Women on May 17th.
The annual event honors outstanding Sonoma Valley women who have made significant contributions to the community through their volunteerism, community involvement and philanthropy.
This year, the SVH Foundation Board of Directors selected Brown and Derwingson as the recipients of the Pulse Award, in recognition of their outstanding support and service to the community of Sonoma.
In addition to receiving their awards from SVH Foundation Board Chair Sharon Nevins, the honorees were presented with certificates of recognition from Mayor Ken Brown, Supervisor Susan Gorin, Tom Bartee on behalf of Assemblywoman Mariko Yamata, and Elizabeth McCarthy on behalf of Senator Noreen Evans.
In her acceptance speech, Brown said, “I am so appreciative of receiving this award. Our community is made up of caring folks who dedicate their lives to making a difference, and together we do.”
Derwingson echoed Brown’s praise for the community.
Former Pulse Award recipients, many of whom were in attendance to celebrate this year’s honorees, include: Julie Atwood, Kathy Benziger, Judith Bjorndal, MD, Suzanne Brangham, Phyllis Carter, Susan Chew, Karen Collins, Patti England, Helen Fernandez, Jean Hopeman, Marcia Levy, Yolanda Mangrum, DDS, Elsa Nelson, Marcia Nelson, Barbara Nobles, Valerie Pistole, Rose Mary Schmidt, Jean Arnold Sessions, Carolyn Stone and Tina Wolfenden.
In her opening comments, Foundation Executive Director Harmony Plenty reminded guests that their contributions will help fund mammograms for un/underinsured women each May and October and thanked them for their support.
“If you know any woman in Sonoma Valley who is putting off her mammogram for financial reason, please let them know that we can help,” she urged the crowd.
Emcee Jennifer Yankovich put her duties as Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce CEO on hold for the afternoon to lead the event program. Mike Benziger and Danny Fay from Envolve poured their Rosé during the reception, and fellow Wine Sponsors Gloria Ferrer Caves and Vineyards, Hanzell Winery and Remick Ridge Vineyards provided wines for lunch.
Major sponsors included Archer Norris, a professional law corporation, Sonoma Bank and Union Bank.
Event proceeds, which are still being calculated, will benefit women’s health and wellness programs at Sonoma Valley Hospital.
