Quota International of Weyburn made a virtual announcement of the winners for the 2020 Women of the Year Awards on Friday morning.
“Because of COVID-19, it’s been very challenging to acknowledge the nominees properly. We need something to celebrate,” said Val Wing of Quota of the decision to make the announcement now rather than waiting until the fall or next year to complete this year’s awards season.
“The nominees are so extraordinary and exceptional, we decided not to wait for the fall … because this world needs something to celebrate,” she added.
The winner of the Weyburn Credit Union Excellence in the Workplace Award is Dawn Gutzke, executive director of the Family Place. She was nominated by Lianne Cretin on behalf of the Family Place board.
The other nominee was Joanne Fraser, an appraiser with the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency in Weyburn.
“I was not expecting this at all,” said Gutzke upon being informed she was the award winner. “Oh my goodness! I just feel so honoured.”
For the M. Isabelle Butters Quota International of Weyburn Community Service Award, a category that had five nominees, the winner was Lianne Cretin, nominated by Sheryl Ehman and Donna Berling.
She is or has been a volunteer with many organizations, including the Family Place, the Weyburn Curling Club, the Gymnastics Club and Weyburn Skating Club.
The other nominees included Jackie Wilson of Inclusion Weyburn; Sandra Larose, Bonnitta Whitrow, and Linda Aitken of the Weyburn Concert Series and Weyburn Arts Council.
“It’s a definite honour, very humbling. I am very lucky to be able to do all that I do,” said Cretin, adding, “There are a lot of great nominees in this category. It’s super that we have so many great volunteers.”
The winner of the Access Communications Exceptional Entrepreneur Award was Tammy Lawrence-Bhimji, owner of the Dance Zone, which just marked its 15th anniversary. She was nominated by her daughter, Paris Lyon.
The other nominees were Holly Adamache and Tanya Kwochka of Comforts of Home Senior Care; Bonnitta Whitrow of Bee Raw Real and Raw Foods; and Patty Skjerdal of Vortex Plumbing and Heating.
The winner of the Harbourfront Wealth Management Young Woman of Distinction Award was Kaylee Vanbeselaere, nominated by Colleen Morrice.
Weyburn’s Tenille Arts, a singer now based in Nashville, Tenn., sent a video message, as she was originally going to be the guest speaker at the awards luncheon, which had been set for April 8.
“I wish we could be all together to celebrate the 20th annual Women of the Year Awards, but unfortunately we can’t,” she said.
“I just wanted to send huge congratulations to each and every one of the nominees. You are all so incredible, your stories, your struggles and your triumphs. You are all so unique and deserve to be honoured in this way,” said Arts.
