Saturday night, my husband I had an incredible, humbling and inspiring experience as guests of one of the 100 women honored at the Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valley Centennial Awards Gala. This is a shining example of how one organization can touch so many individuals and create a lasting impact. Not to mention, 100 years as a successful organization is a huge milestone!
Everything about this event was a ‘wow’ for me:
- The parade of 100 women being honored that kicked off the event among the beautifully decorated banquet tables.
- Our table host and honoree Jeannine Rivet, Executive Vice President, United Health Group, who along with her husband, Warren Herried, received the Southwest Initiative Foundation 25th Anniversary Philanthropy Award for their generous giving to beautiful projects in Luverne and the Southwest Initiative Foundation Growing Home Circle.
- Marilyn Carlson Nelson, Chairman and Former CEO of Carlson, who received the Distinguised Alumna Centennial Champion Award and whose story and remarks were absolutely inspirational.
- And each of 100 honorees, wonderful musical entertainment and silent auction funds raised for Girl Scout programming.
As I sat surrounded by so many incredible women leaders who have been impacted by their experience with Girl Scouts, I thought back to my own days as a Brownie and then Girl Scout. The skills, confidence and encouragement this program provided me and so many girls and women is truly making a difference in many lives. We’re in good company, since 25 percent of American women are Girl Scout alumnae. The number is even higher for professional women—80 percent of female business owners and two out of three women in Congress, just as a couple of examples.
We took a quick poll and many SWIF staff were in Girl or Boy Scouts. A number expressed how scouting has been a great experience for their children and some of our staff are/were troop leaders themselves. I know there are many great examples throughout the region of these organizations’ impact through participation, skill building and service projects.
I want to call special attention to a number of our own southwest Minnesota Girl Scout alumnae who were recognized with awards during the gala Saturday night along with Jeannine. My sincere congratulations goes to these women for their leadership and achievements. Our region should be very proud of what this group of honorees represents!
Community Champion Honorees
Community Champions are alumnae who have made significant contributions as volunteers within their own communities or on regional or national levels.
Sharon Hollatz – Commissioner, District 5, Redwood County
Nancy Wepplo – Campus Administrator, Good Samaritan Society, Windom
Forever Green Honorees
Forever Greens are alumnae who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, exceptional service and extraordinary dedication to the Girl Scout Movement.
Bonnie Elfering, Community Volunteer, Bird Island
Robin Stegner, Retired President, RVI, Inc., Redwood Falls
Guide Honoree
Guides are alumnae who have distinguished themselves as mentors to others.
Marlys Knuth, Adjunct Educator, Shire Equestrian Breeder, Sudden Creek Shires, Slayton
Trailblazer Honoree
Women whose pioneering efforts have opened doors for other women.
Jeannine Rivet, Executive Vice President, UnitedHealth Group, Luverne connections
Women of Promise Honoree
Women of Promise are alumnae, age 35 and under, who have distinguished themselves in their professions or communities.
Lindsay Whalen, Professional Athlete and National Champion, Minnesota Lynx, Hutchinson native
Learn more about these women and their awards here: http://www.girlscoutsrv.org/alumnae/centennial_award_honorees
How has scouting impacted your life? Share your stories by posting a comment!
