NYWA Galaxy Awards Recap

I never know where to begin on these types of things, and I promised Michelle I would post a quick re-cap of the events Tuesday morning at the Galaxy Awards. Mind you, I promised that before knowing Michelle was going to post a blog that would make anyone a bit embarrassed and could only be written by a loving and glowing best friend like her...

That being said, the Galaxy Awards was really a treat (cheesy word I know, but it was). The New York Women's Agenda (NYWA) is an amazing organization. Although having an award from them is very special, I'm much more excited about my new membership! This year, a big part of the presentation was the first lifetime achievement award given to Barbara Walters. The award is on behalf of Elinor Guggenheimer who started NYWA and was an inspiration to the entire New York community for years. She unfortunately passed this past September, but she will remain in the hearts and minds of many, many people. Her inspiration for NYWA was to see a collaboration of all the wonderful womens organizations in New York brought together to enhance the common goals of all women. What a brilliant idea - amazing we don't all think of these things sooner, isn't it? She wanted to see each of the organizations come together and create strength in numbers for women's rights and needs.

This year, I was so excited to be an award winner for the Women's Jewelry Association as each organization chose someone they felt embodied the goals and mission of NYWA. I knew it would be a special breakfast as we did the Elly tribute and honored Barbara Walters, and it truly was. I had the brief (and I mean brief) opportunity to meet Barbara Walters, and it was so surreal when she said "congratulations" - whoa... that was crazy - "congrats" from an icon? Completely surreal, and that's the only word I have for it. Watching her speak on stage and listening to the banter between she and Michael Bloomberg, it was all so humbling. Everyone had such focus on the mission and history of NYWA, and it was quite an inpspiration. I'm motivated, excited, and most importantly, I'm looking forward to amazing year in 2009 working hard to represent women in New York (and hopefully promoting the idea of NYWA to other areas around the U.S. without a similar organization)!

My update on the NYWA Star Awards~Words with Michelle~

So...I just heard from Wendy, on her way back from the New York Women’s Agenda Star Breakfast and she promises to blog about the experience later today. Since I am new to the blog, I should disclose that not only is Wendy my boss, but one of my best, not to mention oldest, friends. When things like this happen, and she is honored, I am twice as thrilled, primarly because I know she really is an amazing person. Wendy genuinely cares about the causes we support, and she is truly is authentic, and down-to-earth. She is also terribly modest, so I can only hope she doesn't make me take this post down...but she'll have to really fight me on it, so Wendel, don't even try.

My point is, I have watched Wendy transform artistically since we were quite literally kids, and while any of her friends or family could tell you countless stories re-iterating what I've said, I'm pleased that what we all have known for ages was publically validated. Wendy is a tremendous artist, a credit to her field, and most of all, an indescribable friend.

This is my thank you Wendy. We are all so proud of you. Thank you for being you. Now stop blushing, and take the compliments, because you deserve them.

New York Women’s Agenda Star Breakfast ~Words with Michelle~

I am excited to announce that Wendy has been selected to be honored at this year’s New York Women’s Agenda Star Breakfast as a Galaxy Awardee representing the Women’s Jewelry Association. The Breakfast will be held on December 9th at the New York Hilton. Approximately 1,000 people attend this annual event, starting with a full breakfast at 7:15am. If you would like to join us at what is always a powerful and lively event, please let us know so we can include you at a table with other friends. Tickets are $85.00 (NYWA members) and $95.00 (non-member). For full details about the event and to purchase tickets, you can visit www.nywa.org, contact the Benefit Office at 212-843-1706 or by email at nywa@hgnyc.com. Be sure to let the Benefit Office know you are with our group so they can be sure to seat everyone together.


The Women’s Jewelry Association is proud to be a member of the New York Women’s Agenda, which is a not-for-profit coalition of women professionals, community activists, and over 50 women’s organizations working to shape public policy on behalf of women and families in New York, and we hope you will join us for this great event which is NYWA’s major fundraising event of the year.


This year’s Star Breakfast is especially exciting because, in addition to a nice roster of Galaxy Awardees, Stars, Rising Stars and an Honorable MEN-tion, they are doing a very special tribute to NYWA founder Elinor Guggenheimer, who recently passed away. To top it off, NYWA is bestowing the inaugural Elinor Guggenheimer Lifetime Achievement Award to the legendary Barbara Walters. Emcees for the Breakfast include award-winning journalist Roz Abrams and author and television personality Emme Aronson. The Honorable Michael L. Bloomberg will be on hand to present the award to Miss Walters, and New York State’s First Lady Michelle Paterson will be there to address the audience.


This year’s NYWA theme is especially noteworthy - Pass It On! - Celebrating Women, Generation to Generation – as it was chosen to reflect the vital nature of the intergenerational connections that make our world, and our lives, a better place, and to celebrate the life-changing power of a helping hand.


Best Wishes,
Michelle

For more information, please visit: New York Women’s Agenda