Award Acknowledgments

A celebration of women whose passion, vision & commitment have made a difference to our city and abroad.

Every year for 30 years, the Status of Women Committee of the City of Hamilton faithfully presented the annual Women of the Year Awards to our community ensuring that the contributions of women to all aspects of community life would not be overlooked. 

Since 2008, YWCA is proud to carry on the tradition under the name of Women of Distinction Awards.



______________________________________________________________
HAMILTON'S 2011 WOMEN OF DISTINCTION AWARDS


PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA

"I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to this year's nominees and award recipients.  Your contributions serve as an inspiration to young girls and women everywhere, and remind us all of the difference we can make in our communities."

...The Rt.Hon. Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P.
OTTAWA 2011

**************************


A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER

"I offer my special congratulations to this year's award recipients, and applaud your generosity and caring spirit, and your commitment to your community.  Know that your vision, dedication and leadership have earned you the admiration of your peers, your community - and the people of Ontario."

...Dalton McGuinty / Premier


CITY OF HAMILTON - OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

"We recognized the accomplishments and contributions of extraordinary women in our community who, through their own initiative, ability and effort, have made an exemplary achievement in their field.  These women are outstanding role models not only because of their goals but by the way they have achieved them.

Congratulations of your success!  Thank you for enriching our great city with your gifts and enhancing the lives of our fellow citizens in so many ways."

...Robert Bratina / Mayor


YWCA ~ CANADA

"Across the country both young and adult women have made a remarkable difference in their communities, many despite multiple obstacles. 

Please extend our congratulations to the awardees and nominees for 2011 as we wish them continued success in the future.  We are moved and inspired by their journeys and endeavors. This celebration allows for reflection and admiration of a group of women who have achieved extraordinary things.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff of YWCA Canada, please express our best wishes for a wonderful and successful Women of Distinction 2011"

...Lynne Kent / President


YWCA ~ HAMILTON

"Congratulations!  You have joined a distinguished company of women who have been considered worthy of nomination for the City's most prestigious women's award. "

...Catherine Miller / YWCA Hamilton Board President  
   Catherine Raso / Women of Distinction Coordinating Committee Chair


____________________________________________________________________________

Personal Congratulations to Anna Sponer

Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation

Dear Anna,

On behalf of Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation I would like to congratulate you on your recent honour. Receiving this year's YWCA Women of Distinction Award in the category of Arts, Entertainment and Creative Energy speaks highly of your accomplishments, character, and determination.

We are pleased to hear stories of accomplishment like yours - not only have you successfully founded the Artist Art World online art gallery, but you have shown compassion by donating your time to non-profits like Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation, and have gone on to accept this prestigious community award, Through your achievements you are an inspiration to people in our city and beyond.

As a charitable organization serving 2.3 million people in south-central Ontario, we at Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation understand the commitment and determination that is required to turn a dream into a success and make a real difference in our community. Thank you for your tremendous contributions, not only to Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation, but to Hamilton as a whole.

Once again, congratulations on earning this prestigious honour. Through your actions, you are a true role model in our community.

Yours sincerely,
Tamara D. Pope. MBA
Vice President, Marketing and Communications
Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation
July 28, 2011


________________________________________________


Ontario Legislative Assembly

Province of Ontario

Anna Sponer

On behalf of the Ontario Legislative Assembly, I congratulate you on winning the
Women of Distinction Award in the area of Arts, Entertainment and Creative Energy.

As the founder of the Artist Art World online gallery, your creative energy, and the time and effort dedicated to fundraising have left a positive example for others to follow.  I commend you on your dedication and hard work. It is a pleasure to have people like you working in our great community.

Best wishes for continued success in all your future endeavours.

Congratulations
Sophia Aggelonitis, M.P.P.
Hamilton Mountain
May 4, 2011

________________________________________________




Founder: Anna Sponer ~ Canadian Artist