THE GUELPH Y PRESENTS: TM 2018 IT TAKES A VILLAGE A conversation about Introducing your host community and the commitment to Melissa Grelo celebrating women Co-Host of CTV’s, THE SOCIAL & YOUR MORNING With Pat McCraw Co-Founder of Guelph Y’s Smart, sassy, and informed, Melissa Grelo Women of Distinction™ (@melissagrelo) added Co-Host of THE SOCIAL to her expanding resumé in 2013, and also acts as the show’s moderator. Melissa was the long-time co-host of the most-watched morning Over 50 years ago, Pat McCraw made a news program, CP24 BREAKFAST in the Greater commitment to dedicating her time to volunteering Toronto Area, and anchored and reported on the in her community for a variety of national and biggest stories in Canada’s largest news market. international organizations. Between her volunteer roles and watching her boys grow up at the As Canada watched from the edge of their Guelph Y with swimming lessons and camp, couches, Melissa gave the front-row perspective Pat never envisioned herself as being one of the when she co-hosted CTV’s OLYMPIC MORNING founders of Guelph Y’s Women of Distinction™ program from Vancouver 2010 in Whistler, fundraiser. B.C. And no stranger to glitz and glamour, Melissa has covered the Toronto International Pat took interest in volunteering her time as one Film Festival® red carpets since 2009, and was of Guelph Y’s Board of Directors. While serving in Los Angeles in 2013 reporting for CP24 and on the Board, Pat and her colleagues had the CTV from the prestigious ACADEMY AWARDS®. opportunity to visit Toronto’s YWCA and saw She’s also co-hosted the Santa Claus Parade on first-hand the positive impact that a Women of CTV since 2010, contributed to the Grey Cup Distinction™ event could have on a community. Weekend on TSN in 2012, and DAILY PLANET Once the Guelph Y learned about the work being on Discovery in 2013. In recent years, Melissa done, it became clear that this was something that has combined her passions for horses and fashion the Guelph Y had to take on. Once presented to by contributing to TSN’s coverage of the Queen’s the Board – the team agreed almost immediately Plate, North America’s oldest continuously-run that this was an initiative they had to do, as it was thoroughbred race, and the accompanying wildly a perfect fit for the Guelph community. popular and glamorous Hats and Horseshoes Party. Guelph Y’s Women of Distinction™ fundraiser is now embarking on its 23rd year. Through these When away from the office, Melissa enjoys years, the fundraiser has seen a tremendous horseback riding, fitness training, reading, and amount of growth. From a celebratory banquet travelling. As a former teacher, education and dinner to a large-scale community fundraiser held giving back to the community are very important at the River Run Centre, it is evident that much to her. She has worked with charities like has evolved since its first year in 1994. Despite Artbound and Free The Children which have built the evolution of Women of Distinction™, one thing schools in Kenya, India, and other developing has remained – it has always taken a village to nations. She also dedicates time to raising funds make the fundraiser possible. From a tremendous for the Ontario Society for the Prevention of amount of support and work from volunteers, Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) and the Community sponsors, boards, and committees – many Association for Riding for the Disabled (CARD) individuals and organizations in this community with horseback riding demonstrations. She speaks have come together to celebrate and empower at many fundraising events, specifically with the the women who make our village a better place to GTA’s youth, whom she encourages to become work, live, and grow. involved in charitable work and contribute to their communities. Honorary Chair Marissa Teeter Active philanthropist, community champion, Women of Distinction™ alumna, Senior-Vice President of Financial Services for Investors In support of Guelph Y programs for Group girls and women at all stages of life. Emcee & Keynote Speaker IT TAKES A VILLAGE Melissa Grelo Co-host of CTV’s THE SOCIAL and YOUR PROGRAM MORNING Celebrating and empowering Speakers local women. Robert E. Serra Regional Director of Investors Group, Platinum Sponsor 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm Geoff Vogt Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA-YWCA Celebration Reception of Guelph (Canada Company Hall) Jay Whitelaw Thank you to: Givesome Founder and Executive Director • Lemon Grass Thai Food • Sweet Temptations • Taste of Craft • Laza Food & Beverages Special Awards • Zehrs Markets • Platters Catering & Events Lifetime Achievement Award • Oryan Catering Presented by University of Guelph • Kirtida Kitchen • Just Juice Lifetime Achievement Award Presented by McNeil Consumer Healthcare Inc. Turning Point Award 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm Presented by the Guelph Y Teenage Parents Program Presentation Ceremony (Main Stage) 03 Thank You to our SPONSORS Platinum Sponsor Presenting Sponsors Gold Sponsors Silver Sponsors Bronze Sponsors Giving Sponsor Media Sponsors Get Noticed. Get Found. Friend Sponsors Donated Ticket Sponsors TM Thank You to our VOLUNTEERS A special thank you to the Steering Thank you to the following volunteers Committee who played a pivotal role in who have assisted in making the shaping Women of Distinction™ in 2018: Women of Distinction™ season possible: Marissa Teeter • Kristel Manes Hilary Parkin • Melissa Haynes Stewart McDonough Jenn Bucci • Shaun Scott Patricia Kopec • Claire Alexander Marion Kasha • Shakiba Shayani Rosemary Fernandes-Walker Tania Framst • Jenn Scott Barbara Fera • Anita Acai Robert Cliff • Joanne Shuttleworth Helen Keen • Anu Saxena Becky Breau • Gabriela Ferrari Tracey McGrath • Jessica St.Peter Sarah Thomas Lynne Barker • Pat McCraw 05 A warm welcome Geoff Vogt Chief Executive Officer, YMCA-YWCA of Guelph n behalf of the Guelph Tonight’s theme, It Takes a Village, aligns Y, it is with great with the founding principles of the Y: pleasure that I welcome together we can make a difference in you to the 23rd Annual the lives of individuals and families in Women of Distinction™ our community. The Guelph Y is a village celebration. The Guelph itself – when you walk through our doors, OY team of 300 staff and 115 volunteers you will see support, collaboration and is extremely proud to host this signature friendship everywhere you look. From the event which brings our community 10:30 am coffee gathering in the lobby together to celebrate 20 remarkable after an Aquafit class, to the University women. As we get to know these women of Guelph student who is delivering tonight, we will hear stories of resiliency, customized programming for someone leadership, community building and recovering from a stroke, the Guelph Y trailblazing. I know we will be inspired is a village that champions health and by these women and it is our hope that wellness for everyone. our inspiration will transpire into action. I want to thank tonight’s sponsors for your As one of only five Y’s across Canada generous support of this evening and the that represent both the YMCA and Guelph Y. Thank you to you, our guests, YWCA, the Guelph Y has a dedicated for joining us this evening. It is our mandate to support girls and women in pleasure to have you here and we are our community. Events like tonight are grateful for your partnership and support important fundraisers that support key in our effort to build community. Guelph Y programs, such as our Teenage Parents Program, Encore (an after breast Please celebrate with us loudly and cancer support program) and the Power make tonight memorable for our 20 of Being a Girl Conference, which is a remarkable honourees. one day event for grade 7 and 8 girls. Thank you for being a part of the village that supports these initiatives. 06 A word from our Honorary Chair Marissa Teeter Active philanthropist, community champion, Women of Distinction™ alumna, Senior-Vice President of Financial Services, Investors Group t is my great pleasure to welcome the best version of yourself and push you you to the 23rd Annual Women of forward when obstacles or challenges Distinction™ Fundraising Event, an make it seem impossible to thrive. inclusive and impactful evening of celebration and inspiration for This year’s 20 Women of Distinction™ everyone. Tonight’s efforts extend far honourees are remarkable women who Ibeyond this gala as these women, you have built up incredible villages around and our entire community have come them and who have been supported and together to create a lasting impact as lifted up by villages of their own. These one village. Being here tonight, shows women are the very definition of strength, your commitment to this community and perseverance, generosity, selflessness, to women who are working hard every acceptance, inspiration and love. day to make this world a better place and for that we are grateful for your I am thrilled to call these women my support. friends and inspirations and hope you will join me in celebrating them this This year’s theme of “It takes a village” evening and every day thereafter as is one that is close to my heart. As an we work together to build a better active philanthropist in our community city, country and world for women, for and working mom of two beautiful everyone. children, I understand that my ability to pursue all of my dreams all at once – is Thank you for your support, tonight you the direct result of the support, love and are truly changing lives. understanding I get from my village every single day. Your village can be anyone - family, friends, co-workers - it is those around you who allow you to be 07 BOLATITO ALAWODE I am simply a girl next “ door with a strong drive to add value“ to my community and make an impact.