State Honors Women Torchbearers

For Immediate Release: January 23, 2008
Contact: Melissa C. Martin (317) 636-5400
Issues & Advocates
Or, Sharon Langlotz
Executive Director, Indiana Commission for Women
(317) 232-6720, Cell (317) 431-8583

The Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis was aglow Tuesday evening when the state-sponsored Indiana Commission for Women held its fourth annual Salute to Women. In an Oscar®-style gala the Commission presented this year’s Torchbearer Awards to women who have overcome obstacles and made Indiana a better place in which to live, work and raise a family. The Torchbearer Award is the highest award presented only to women by the State of Indiana.

The statewide Council of Judges chose to present several special awards this year. They are:
Trailblazer Award, Judge Sarah Evans Barker, Indianapolis; Spirit of Hope Award, Bren Simon, Carmel; Keeper of the Light Award; Judge V. Sue Shields; Community Spirit Award, Gazella Summitt, Vincennes; Heart of Indiana Award, Fay H. Williams, Indianapolis; and the Commissioners’ Lifetime Achievement Award to Carole Stein of Indianapolis.

Ms. Stein was honored for her twenty-three years of tireless work on behalf of survivors of domestic and sexual violence. She was a founding “mother” of an all volunteer hotline begun in 1983 which has grown into the multi-office and county Crisis Connection serving hundreds of women and children every year.

In addition to the presentation of the awards guests were feted with dinner and a program that included vibrant entertainment sung by recording artist Sarah Bauer, including her song “Radiance” and “My Own Backyard”. A brief appearance by Big Mamma and the Silverettes, a tap dancing troupe of women ages 51-66, brought appreciative applause from the crowd.

Melissa C. Martin, Indianapolis, president of Issues & Advocates public policy marketing and advertising, serves as Chair of the Indiana Commission for Women. Commissioner Patzetta Trice served as Chair of the event.

In keeping with Governor Daniels tightened financial belt on state government, Ms Trice said, “We are honored to have many sponsors who made this event possible, including Eli Lilly & Company, U.S. Steel and the Indiana Women’s History Association. With their support and that of our many table sponsors we were able to honor these outstanding women without spending taxpayer dollars.”

First Lady Cheri Daniels presided as Honorary Chairman of Indiana’s Salute to Women, opening the program with comments for the finalists and guests. Lt. Governor Becky Skillman, a former ICW Commissioner and a 2006 Torchbearer Award winner, greeted finalists and presented certificates to each.

Each of the Torchbearer Award winners listed below received a gold medallion inscribed with “Lady Victory” and the official seal of the State of Indiana.

For additional information please see:

• Indiana Commission for Women
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