Girl Scouts name five 'Women of Distinction' honorees

Venzon

The Girl Scout Council of Buffalo & Erie County announces the 2007 "Women of Distinction" honorees. Five women will be honored for their commitment to improving the lives of others, succeeding in a male-dominated industry and educating on issues of importance to the community at the fourth annual "Women of Distinction" awards dinner and ceremony at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 19 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Buffalo. Tickets are $65 per person.

"Women of Distinction" is a nationwide Girl Scouts of U.S.A. program that recognizes the achievements of women, provides mentoring opportunities for older Girl Scouts and funds local Girl Scout educational opportunities and programs for girls 5 to 17 years of age.

2007 Women of Distinction honorees are - Alumna Award, Nancy Nielsen, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical officer for Independent Health; and Women of Distinction honorees Sister Diane Gianadda, director of Women's Respite Program; Sundra Ryce, president and CEO of SLR Contracting & Service Company, Inc.; Catharine M. Venzon, attorney at Venzon Law Firm P.C.; and Mary Wilson, founder of WNY Girls in Sports.

Venzon is a troop leader for Senior Troop 1097 in Williamsville. She received national recognition from Girl Scouts U.S.A. in 2004 when she was one of 12 women chosen nationally to receive "Outstanding Leader."

She and her troop were featured in the National Girl Scout calendar. She has traveled with her troop to London, England; Paris, France; New York City; and Canada.

Jule Carr and Rebecca Pritchard, both from Amherst, will serve as mistresses of ceremony for the evening.

For more information, contact Laurie Mahoney, director of development, at 837-6400 ext. 247 or lmahoney @bflogirlscouts. org.