There's just over a week left to submit nominations for the ninth annual Women of Excellence initiative, organized by the Sarnia Community Foundation (SCF).
The initiative aims to recognize the contributions of local women in the community.
The deadline to submit nominations is at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 4. Nomination forms can be found on the SCF's website and emailed to office@sarniacommunityfoundation.ca.
SCF Executive Director Mike Barron said only a couple of nominations have been received so far but he expects that number to increase as the deadline approaches.
There's no set number as to how many people will be recognized, Barron said it usually ranges from three to five.
Last year's recipients included Susan Chamberlain, Marylin Gifford, Jeannette Douglas, and members of the Parents for Parks group in Petrolia.
Barron said a committee of three past recipients will review this year's nominations and submit their recommendations to the SCF Board.
A luncheon to celebrate this year's honourees will be held on June 5 at the Dante Club.
"We've seen in communities that having strong women leaders really makes your community stronger," Barron said. "I think it's a great, empowering, high-spirited day."
This year's guest speaker will be Parkinson Canada President and CEO Dr. Karen Lee.
"Last year, having Kathy Alexander talk about cardiac care and the scare of having a heart attack, I thought this might be another platform to have represented in our community, or discussed," Barron said.
Tickets for the luncheon will go on sale on April 14 at 9 a.m. Tickets are $60 each or a table that seats eight can be reserved for $500. Those interested in buying tickets can call SCF at 519-332-2588.
Proceeds from the event will be distributed to local organizations.
Last year, $4,000 was donated to the Bluewater Health Foundation and was split between the cardiac unit and the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre.