United Way Honors Exemplary Women of Gwinnett

On Saturday United Way's 9th Annual Legacy Awards was a virtual who's who of Gwinnett County's most powerful women leaders.

The event, held Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012 at the Gwinnett Marriott, was filled with the county's leaders, some who hold powerful county positions and some who operate quietly behind the scenes to help make a difference.

This year the United Way Women's Leadership Council in Gwinnett recognized four outstanding women for their contributions.

Davida Baker was honored with the Women's Legacy Award in the category of Time. The award recognizes her efforts in helping those in the community in need while balancing family, volunteering and career.

Connie Wiggins received the Women's Legacy Award in the category of Talent. The award salutes the recipient's natural and learned skills in assisting those in the Gwinnett community "who need it most in innovative ways."

Karen Fine Saltiel was honored with the Treasure award which was given for her passion in helping those in the community "who need it most by sharing personal wealth."

Ethel Andersen received the 2012 Legacy Award for her legacy of volunteering her time, for her talented approach to community issues and giving of her personal wealth.

For the nine women from the City of Peachtree Corners, it was also a proud moment as they represented their new city.

Sitting together at a table marked "City of Peachtree Corners" were:

• Jeanne Aulbach, City Council member, Dist. 4
• Amreeta Regmi, member of the Democratic Convention delegation
• Lynette Howard, Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, Dist. 2.
• Diana Wheeler, the newly appointed Community Development Director fo the city.
• Gay Shook, UPCCA's Vice President of Programs
• Lynn Williams, Realtor, Coldwell Banker
• Nancy Minor, Realtor, Keller Williams Realty
• Sherry Ferguson, UPCCA Secretary
• Pat Bruschini, UPCCA President

Also attending from Peachtree Corners:

Dr. Mary Kay Murphy, Gwinnett School Board Member, Dist. 3, and a 2012 Legacy nominee, Barbara Howard, owner of Suzanna's Kitchen, a business based in Peachtree Corners and The Rev. Nancy Yancey, CEO, Rainbow Village, an organization based in Duluth.

The Legacy Awards began at 10 a.m. with a silent auction, items were donated and the monies were donated to the United Way and was followed by the luncheon and awards.

A number of raffle prizes were handed out. Peachtree Corners own Pat Bruschini won one of the prizes, a gift from Suzanna's Kitchen.

United Way women's Leadership Council in Gwinnett was founded in 1999 to mobilize women to become powerful philanthropists through leadership, fund raising and advocacy.

The proceeds from the the 2011 event are used to help children and families in need. Last year $34,000 was used for grants awarded to:

• Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry
• Norcross Cooperative Ministry
• Salvation Army of Gwinnett
• Rainbow Village
• The Impact! Group
• Center for Pan Asian Community Services

For more information visit the United Way's website.