Six Louisiana women, including NBCās Hoda Kotb, to be honored at annual ¹ū¶³APP event
THIBODAUX ā The Louisiana Center for Women and Government, headquartered at ¹ū¶³APP, will honor six Louisiana women for their outstanding public service on Saturday, March 26, during a luncheon at the New Orleans Hilton Riverside.
The hall of fame ceremony will feature the induction of Dr. Alice Pecoraro of Morgan City, Adele Waddill Ransom of Monroe, Jean Rice of Metairie, Suzanne Haik-Terrell of Metairie, and Blue Ribbon Award winner Hoda Kotb of New York. In addition, a Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Sandra Thompson Herman of New Orleans.
Phyllis George ā Miss America 1971, television host, sportscaster, actress, author, businesswoman and mother ā will deliver the keynote address. During her extensive career, George has been First Lady of Kentucky; co-anchor of the āNFL Today Showā; co-host of āCBS Morning Newsā; first female co-host of āCandid Cameraā; host of āWomanās Day TVā on TNN; creator and host of TNNās āSpotlight with Phyllis Georgeā; co-host of āAmerican Crafts with Phyllis Georgeā on QVC; guest host of ABCās āGood Morning Americaā; and host of the āPeople Magazineā television show.
Her honors include the Rita Hayworth Alzheimerās Award as well as āCelebrity Businesswoman of the Yearā and āWinnerās Circle Awardā from the National Association of Women Business Owners. George was also named among the ā50 Greatest Women in Radio and Televisionā by American Women in Radio and Television and was designated a āLeading Woman Entrepreneur of the Worldā in Madrid, Spain, along with 40 other women entrepreneurs from 40 different countries. She supports many charitable organizations as well.
Blue Ribbon Award winner Hoda Kotb is an NBC News anchor, host of āTodayās Healthā and co-host of the fourth hour of the āToday Show.ā She has brought national and international attention to the achievements and plights of women via the program āDateline NBCā and has promoted the Louisiana Center for Women and Government and its programs since her days at WWL-TV in New Orleans.
Eric Paulson, anchor of WWL-TV Eyewitness Morning News, will serve as master of ceremonies at the hall of fame luncheon.
Tickets to the awards ceremony are $60 per person, or $500 for a table for 10, and include a cash bar at 11 a.m., followed by the noon luncheon and awards ceremony.
In addition, a patron party honoring George and the hall of fame inductees has been scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 25, at the home of John W. Houghtaling II ā 4717 St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans. Tickets are $75 per person or $120 per couple, and cocktail attire is required.
Due to limited space, those interested in attending either the patron party or the hall of fame luncheon must purchase tickets no later than Tuesday, March 22. Call (985) 449-7059 to reserve seats. A credit card is required for reservations, but a check may be used for payment.
Established in 1991, the Louisiana Center for Women and Government encourages and promotes the leadership of women by providing resources and non-partisan support through educational workshops, training seminars and outreach programs. With more than 600 members from eight regions across Louisiana, the center promotes women in government and public service, acknowledges achievements of women and teaches all citizens about the importance of public service and responsible citizenship.
The 2011 hall of fame committee includes chairs Diane Hollis and Cindy Cenac; patron party chairs Senator Julie Quinn and Faith Peperone; New Orleans leadership chair Kathleen Mix; New Orleans Region members Charlotte Banks, Jane Bauer, Holly Beaulieau, Dottie Belletto, JoAnn Bohm, Diane Breaux, Renee Carrere, Maria Cisneros, Diane Clark, Melanie Deffendal, Charlene Dolese, Nicole Ferrier, Dr. Rebekah Gee, Allison Gouaux, Sandra Guarisco, Kim Hasney, Mattie Laque, Sharon Marchand, Leslie Marsh, Mary May, Jane Miller, Bethany Paulsen, Kelly Badeaux-Phillips, Carol Short, Lynn Skidmore, Agnes Smith and Ashley Stagg; Bayou Region members Donnell Zeringue, Dr. Laynie Barrilleaux, Debi Benoit, Kathy Bourgeois, Renee Brinkley, Jean Fail, Toni Gouaux, Dr. Marilyn Kilgen, LaQuita Meek, Elaine Musso, Dale Norred and Renee Piper; Capital Area Region members Elizabeth Dent, Chistine Lewis-Varley and Peggy Gehbauer; Lafayette-Lake Charles Region members Monique Thierry, Carrie Broussard and Mary Leach Werner; Northeast Region members Tammie McDaniel and Eva Dyann Wilson; and Shreveport Region member Wanda Wright; and Dr. Laura Badeaux, director of the center.
ADDITIONAL HALL OF FAME HONOREES
