The Bernard Kot Parent and Grandparent of the Year awards were hosted by The Family Place with an evening of chocolate decadence and socializing with friends and family at the Grace United Church on Saturday evening.

The honour of being Parent of the Year went to Donna Tegart of Weyburn, who was chosen from a selection of five other parent nominees.

Earning the title of Grandparents of the Year went to Glen and Marlene Ridgway, from Colgate, who were also the only grandparents nominated for the award this year.

"It is a shock to have been chosen, especially since I work with so many wonderful mothers," Tegart commented in her acceptance speech.

"Without the support of the Family Place, I do not know how I could have made it through the difficult times that I have."

Tegart is the mother of three children, one of whom is a son with special needs. After being left a widow when her husband died from cancer, Tegart became the support centre who made time for each of her children.

In his acceptance speech on behalf of himself and his wife, Glen said, "God blessed us with three children and 11 grandchildren. But if we had known how much fun it was going to be to be grandparents, we would have had the grandchildren first."

Nominated because of their love of their simple farm life, and sharing that love with their grandchildren, Glen commented that having grandchildren was "a reflection of what you see of yourself in the mirror."

It was an emotional evening for all, with Glenn Rogers from AM1190 as the emcee, and Amanda Duncan singing "In My Daughter's Eyes" and "Sweet Dreams" as entertainment.

In total there were only six nominees for the awards this year, but Linda Rudachyk from the Family Place stated that there could have been 25 each with the dedication of parents and grandparents she sees from the community.

There could only be one winner for each award and while detailing some information about Bernard Kot, whom the award is named after, son Ken Kot stated that "each of the nominees are winners."

Jaren Bell was nominated for Parent of the Year, after returning to Weyburn from Calgary to care for her two daughters as a single mother. When Bell's eldest daughter was diagnosed with leukemia, she became more determined than ever to look after the care and needs of her daughters.

Nominated because of their dedication to their four children and involvement in the community were Carole and Bob Morris. The Morris's show a life of hallmark characteristics of love and support, especially while living with a special needs family member.

Brandy Linnen, mother of two, was nominated due to her mixing good morals into the foundation of her sons' lives, and knowing how to keep that foundation going in her home.

As the fourth nominee, Lisa Vick was nominated due to her sacrifice to stay at home and raise her two children. Cited as someone who puts the needs of her children above her own, Vick always finds quality time to spend with her children.