More than 760 supporters gathered in the Ritz Carlton recently to honor 10 community volunteers for their work in supporting non-profit organizations in our region.  Carol Daniel, of long-term supporter KMOX, severed as Mistress of Ceremony for this year’s event.

“We are quite pleased with the turnout of supporters at this year’s luncheon”, says Barbara B. Turkington, 2012 Women of Achievement Luncheon Chair.  I am proud of each one of our honorees and thank them for their tireless efforts. The work that they have done for our community clearly makes it stronger and a better place to live for us all.  I am glad that so many have decided to show their support.”

The 2012 Class includes:

  • Carolyn Cotta   Youth Dedication   Webster Groves
  • Sandra S. Lauschke  Health Concerns   Alton, IL
  • Kimberly Ritter  Human Welfare   St. Charles
  • Marsha J. Rusnack  Cultural Enrichment   Ladue
  • Barbara Langsam Shuman Community Service   Chesterfield
  • Carol Staenberg  Spirit of Giving    Clayton
  • Thelma Steward  Social Responsibility   Town and Country
  • Carol J. Voss   Community Betterment  Eureka
  • Mary Pillsbury Wainwright Health & Arts    Wildwood
  • Lisa Orden Zarin  Youth Advocate   St. Louis

For over 57 years, Women of Achievement has recognized women who have a record of leadership in volunteer service to the greater St. Louis community, including Illinois.  This year’s luncheon Co- Chair was Debra A. Hollingsworth, of AT & T, Missouri.  Karen Goodman, President of Women of Achievement says, “It was a very exciting day for the 2012 Women of Achievement.  Their accomplishments are extraordinary and I am glad that so many of their family members, colleagues, friends and supporters were on hand for this celebration.  With the support of our sponsors, we were able to make this a very special time for them as we recognized each honoree for their hard work in the region.”
Presenting Sponsors for the 2012 Women of Achievement luncheon are KMOX Radio,  Ladue News and Suburban Journals.

Gold Sponsors are Ameren, Centene Corporation, Emerson Charitable Trust, Enterprise Holdings Foundation, Peabody Energy, Plaza Porsche, RubinBrown, LLP, Thompson Coburn, LLP and Wells Fargo Advisors.

Silver Sponsors include AT & T Missouri, Brown Shoe Company, Inc., The Gatesworth, Maryville University, Moneta Group, Monsanto Company, Neiman Marcus and Webster University.

About Women of Achievement.  In 1955, the St. Louis-Globe Democrat newspaper created an awards program that became known as the Women of Achievement Award, to recognize and honor the achievements of women who, through their volunteer efforts, have demonstrated their dedication and commitment to improving the quality of life in the St. Louis community.  The St. Louis Women of Achievement organization, a not-for-profit organization, was established in 1993 by former Women of Achievement who wished to ensure the longevity of the award for future generations of St. Louis area women. The organization’s Board of Directors, comprised of past recipients of the award, continue to plan and implement the nomination, selection and award presentation process ensuring that this award will continue to enhance and honor the women volunteers in the St. Louis metropolitan region who positively impact the community for many years to come.   For more information, call 314-539-4015 or visit www.woastl.org.

Sam March
Author: Sam March