The outstanding achievements of women across Central Alberta were recognized at the 10th annual Women of Excellence Awards in Red Deer last night.

Carina Moran and her mother Deborah Solda, owners of Sweet Capone's in Lacombe, were among the 25 nominees, up for the Entrepreneurship Award.

They were star struck by the company they found themselves in.

"Every one of them comes with gifts and contributions to the community. I think to myself, 'Gosh, we're here. Why?’” Solda says.

The Italian bakery and café started as a home enterprise. The mother-daughter duo first opened a small storefront on Main Street in Lacombe in July 2016. They have since moved to a larger location on 50 Avenue -- a complete café serving lunch. Solda says they’ve got a “secret” in store as they approach their one-year anniversary.

"It's blown us away how fast we've grown. We are forever grateful for the support we receive in the community, from Central Alberta and we would never be who we are today if it weren't for the support,” Moran says.

The Entrepreneurship Award went to Red Deer's Bonnee Gregg and Krista Vandenbrink, co-owners of Breathing Room Yoga Studio and Cafe.

Nominees for the Women of Excellence Awards gather for a group photo at the Sheraton Hotel in Red Deer on June 7.

 

As chair of the Sylvan Lake Urgent Care Committee, Susan Samson led a group of 17 that stood resolute in their demand for enhanced medical services for their community and region.

In January, they got it, with the province pledging $2 million to renovate the Sylvan Lake Community Health Centre. That announcement also stated the facility would be open 16 hours a day, seven days a week.

Last night, the former Sylvan lake mayor received the Community Building Award.

Samson said she was honoured to be singled out and talked about the persistence of her committee.

“I think we all felt like there was a chance. Something was going to break and no one was going to give up until something happened,” she said. “So we were all together right to the end and now we’re going to get advanced ambulatory care service opening in May of 2018 so we’re very pleased.”

“This one was probably one of the longest ones to get some closure. So that alone makes it terribly significant to me,” she continued.

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She might have won the Human Services Award, but Safe Harbour's executive director Kath Hoffman spent more time touting the work of those around her, from the staff to the board of directors.

“Excellence is not an individual thing,” Hoffman said. “It’s really about the people that love and support you, who give you the freedom to make those risks and take those chances.”

Hoffman shared a story of a staff member who was met by a homeless man seeking a fresh pair of socks.

Hoffman said that worker went above and beyond what was asked of her, washing and dressing the man’s feet. He later died that night.

“She took the extra time, care and attention. Just love him up a little bit.”

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The full list of winners:

Agriculture: Tracy Gardner, Olds

Arts, Culture and Heritage: Diana Anderson, Red Deer

Athletics, Recreation and Fitness: Nora Styner, Red Deer

Business and Professions: Janice Wing, Red Deer

Community Building: Susan Samson, Sylvan Lake

Education and Training: Dorothy ‘Dot’ Negropontes, Olds

Entrepreneurship: Bonnee Gregg and Krista Vandenbrink, Red Deer

Health and Wellness: Katharine Kemmere, Olds

Human Services: Kath Hoffman, Red Deer

Young Women of Excellence: Lucienne Henry, Clive

Lifetime Achievement Award: Nora Styner, Red Deer