YWCA Women of Distinction Nominees

So, back in November on my way to the One of A Kind Show my friend Nancy McMillan called me and asked how much sleep I was getting these days.  I laughed as it was half way through the show and I was averaging about six hours a night.  Then she said, “Well Monica, sleep is over rated, I’m nominating you for a YWCA Women of Distinction Award so you’re going to have to work your buns off and get me some info this evening, the deadline is fast approaching and we need to get on this!”

I was so flattered, so appreciative and sooooo warm and fuzzy inside over my friend Nancy’s big heart, wanting to do something so special for ME!!!

We got the work done and Nancy reached out to a bunch of amazing people whom I had helped over the years through various fundraising opportunities.  The letters people submitted and the words they wrote truly humbled me and made me feel so darn special.

I’d like to share a few lines with you from some very wonderful women –

“Monica creates jewelry, collaboratively, with women who want to impact causes they are passionate about, such as feeding children, assisting and supporting bereaved families, empowering children facing illness and ending violence against women.” Nancy McMillan, Chair, Bright Run Walk for Breast Cancer.

“One person at a time, Monica is making a difference in the lives of others.  She brings joy to many through her beautiful creations, but it is her compassion that sets her apart.” Pearl F Veenema, FAHP, President & CEO, Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation.

“Monica sees potential in you when you feel the most dark and she binds you to others who support you achieving in ways you never imagined possible.  Monica makes connections with – and for – women; her influence supports those women and the communities in which they live.”  – Rosemary Judd Archer, Provincial Executive Assistant, OSSTF/FEESO & best friend since Grade 4.

“I have never seen such generosity.  There were gifts for Aliyah and our entire family.  We were also invited to a big kids Christmas Party so Aliyah could visit with Santa and play on the bouncy slides with so many other kids.  She had a great time.  The Three Little Wishes money, all $3500, went into an RESP for Aliyah.” Hailey Austen (adoptive Mom) & Aliyah (then, two year old daughter who lost her  birth Mom to cancer)

“In 2010 my husband Tom was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer with a grim prognosis.  Our friends and family supported us by helping out to care for our three toddlers, stuffing our fridge and freezer full of home-made food, and more.  Monica no doubt thought hard about how she could support her long  time friend who was facing cancer for a second time in his life.  Monica designed a pair of beautiful earrings with three crystal “falling stars” . . .  perfect for wishing upon! This is how the Three Little Wishes came to be.  Funds from the sales of these unique earrings were given to us to help ease the financial burden of cancer.” Christine Preston

Last Thursday I attended the Nominee Reception at the stunning Art Gallery of Hamilton.  We drank Pink Lemonade cocktails, nibbled on delicious hors d’oeuvres and mingled in a room filled with 70 nominees and their nominators.  I had my Mom there with me as Nancy’s fill in which was fabulous and we kept Nancy up to date in REAL time as she was unable to attend.

The evening was truly magical, our MC, the beautiful and talented Annette Hamm from CH Morning Live, spoke about the power of the women in the room and encouraged us all to not only get to know each other but to promote another nominee for their excellence.

On our way to have the BIG group shot taken, I introduced myself to another tall girl like me.  We laughed about how hard it was to walk in high heels and how quickly we glammed ourselves up for the evening, me having made jewelry all day and she having little mouths to feed at home.  She did her hair in the car and I thought that was just so Wonder Woman like!  Then we carried on joking about how we would probably get put in the back row as the tall girls and it would be grade school for us all over again.  Then she asked me what I do and when I asked her she said with a smile, “Oh (,) I work at the Hamilton General treating patients with brain trauma.”  My heart stopped – this woman was not the only person in the room dedicated to this type of life’s work.

These nominees are the best of the best, they give every day, they work to give people better lives and every opportunity.  The women whom I met on Thursday night were the Mothers of our community.  They are the women whom we want nurturing us, giving their compassion and speaking on our behalf.

Thursday night I came home feeling very excited about my nomination but even more grateful for having spent an evening with women who inspired me to always be the best person I can be for myself and for others.

Monica XO

If you would like to give back, please check out our beautiful Three Little Wishes Earrings for our friend Lindsey who is undergoing treatment for uterine cancer.  Thank you so much for your support.