That is the basic premise in the message delivered as the Pueblo chapter of The Women’s Foundation held it’s annual Summer Soiree at the Pueblo Community College Fortino Ballroom on Sunday.
Guests enjoyed a 5-course dinner and wine pairing. Local leader, public servant, philanthropist and community leader Kathy Farley was honored for her lifelong efforts to encourage, mentor and serve as a role model for women in service, politics and public action.
The Women’s Foundation President and CEO Lauren Casteel was on hand to underscore the mission of giving women a path to opportunity. Pueblo Community College President Dr. Patty Erjavec also imparted much the same message in welcoming guests and supporters to the PCC campus for the event.
Perfect examples of the success equation were Emma Robinson and Brooklyn Micheli, who were part of the Girls’ Leadership Council. Emma spoke of her experiences there and background of the GLC was given by trustee Trish Orman.
Event Chair Ashley Valdez closed out the program, which had double the number of attendees from the previous year.
Founded by philanthropist Swanee Hunt of Denver 26 years ago, The Women’s Foundation has granted nearly $500,000 to the Pueblo community. Recipients include programs at Pueblo Community College, Colorado State University-Pueblo, the YWCA, Pueblo Boys and Girls Club, El Pueblo . . . An Adolescent Treatment Community and others.
The Women’s Foundation has put special focus on STEM programs for girls and young women. For more information, log on to www.wfco.org.
Lisa Pease, left, and Karen Mandel helped to greet everyone.
Dee Rogers Brown, left, and Jan Williams
The motto of The Women’s Foundation
Jan Lloyd, left, Alice Hill and Marty Poole
Some of the great auction items
Megan McClure, left, Valerie Palumbo and Pam Scarafiotti
Martha Simmons, left, and Event Chair Ashley Valdez
Doris Melendez, left, and Florence Hunt
Ashley Valdez, left, and PCC President Dr. Patty Erjavec
Aaron Hargis was part of the awesome culinary team
Danelle Looney, left, chats with Jane Roane
Kay Gillen, left, trustee Joyce Vigil and trustee Trish Orman
Barbara Leonard, left, Marty Poole, The Women’s Foundation President and CEO Lauren Casteel, Kay Bauman and Shirley Meyer
Sharon Stealey, left, and Deb Kalb
Deanna and Dave Robinson, left, with Pat Enderud
CSU-Pueblo football coach John Wristen and his wife Rochelle
Ralph Williams, left, Rose Jubert and Tracy Samora
Reiko Clark, left, Michael Klomp, Darryl Gurule and Sandy and Marv Stein
Lauren Casteel, President and CEO of Women's Foundation of Colorado
Invocation:
Fr John Farley and Jake
Welcome:
Dr Patty Erjavec
Speaker:
Lauren Casteel
Libations:
La Vieille Ferme Rose', Cono Sur Viognier, Elk Cove Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, Stella Rosa Brachetto d'Acqui Imperiale
Entertainment:
Reception music by Luc and Emma Robinson
Sponsors:
Health Solutions, Pueblo Community College, Xcel Energy, Ken & Gala White Foundation, Patricia Bowie Orman, Dairy Queen-Pueblo, Edward Jones/Julie Falletta, AAMS, Mike & Nelda Kikel Fund/Southern Colorado Community Foundation, Legacy Bank, Parkview Medical Center Foundation, Pueblo County Commissioners
Menu:
Hibiscus consomme', grilled vegetables and avocado tian; Vadouvan rubbed pork tenderloin, mango and Napa cabbage curtido, fennel-vadouvan & vanilla mojo; swordfish with island rum glaze and pineapple, Pueblo chile and basil salsa; black Angus beef sirloin, chimichurri rojo, Yukon gold potato puree, Millberger Farms sweet garden peas and beets with EVOO and sea salt; passion fruit panna cotta-lychee and strawberry salsa, lace cookie
Attendance:
500
Ticket Prices:
$100
Event Committee:
Regional Committee Members: Julie Falletta, Chair; WFCO Trustees Trish Orman and Joyce Vigil; Sarah Blackhurst; Pat Enderud; Lisa Gerlock-Genty; Rose Jubert; Kristy Mulligan; Deanna Robinson; Dee Rogers Brown; Tracy Samora; KC Savage; Martha Simmons; Jenny Smith; Keanna Smith; Sandy Stein; Summer Street; Wynona Sullivian; Sue Takaki; Karen Vigil; Gala White; Jan Williams; Lori Winner; Rochelle Wristen
Board of Directors:
Trustees: Patti Klinge, Stephanie Bruno, Patty Powell, Brooke Bell, Dolores Atencio, Susan Campbell, Jennifer Colosimo, Susie Davis, Kim Desmond, Colleen Dougherty, Kelley Duke, Kami Guildner, Nancy Hartley, John Ikard, Katie Kellen, Anahita Kemp, Brook Kramer, Adrienne Mansanares, Trish Orman, Laurie Oswald, Kim Patmore, Natalie Rekstad Lynn, Kathy Tobey, Elaine Torres, Meredith Vaughan, Joyce Vigil, Carol Wolf, Gaye Woods