International Women's Day raised $9,400 for Women's House

By: Women's House Serving Bruce and Grey April 18, 2015 1348

International Women's Day raised $9,400 for Women's House

The International Women's Day event, held last month, was attended by 90 people and raised $9,400 for Women's House Serving Bruce and Grey.

This year, there were a few new things that were enjoyed by all - the trivia game, live auction and One Billion Rising Movement. People were up out of their seats a lot, and having a good time!

The trivia game had everyone on the dance floor to prove their knowledge and try and win an iPad Mini donated by Bruce Power. There were lots of laughs and a few doubtful looks as people walked to their answer area, but it was a lot of fun for all involved!

Another new addition was the live auction! First up on the bidding block, was an Amethyst and Diamond Necklace. This piece is symbolic as purple is the colour of International Women's Day and domestic violence, and Wendt's Jewellers feels strongly about providing a donation each year suitable for the event.
Next, guests bid on a "Romantic Night for Two" package, and a "Night on the Town". Appreciation to all of the businesses that helped make this a reality and a success!

The next new addition to the schedule was the introduction of "One Billion Rising." Crystal Jedrzejewski, of Grace Dance Academy in Kincardine, spoke to the crowd about this movement. The microphone was then handed to Gabriella Graham, who spoke about "being a girl" and had some powerful words to share.
Listening to this young girl and her views on the world brought tears to many an eye in the room! The dancers from Grace Dance Academy then performed the Break the Chain dance. Many in the crowd got up to dance during the inspiring song and movement.

This year's Woman of Distinction is Tracy Primeau.

She delivered a fantastic speech - people laughed, maybe cried a little, and definitely walked away feeling more inspired! The opening line of Tracy's speech was: "What I would tell my 22-year-old self." She went on to give advice to her younger self: listen to your mother' watch your father; partner well; make sure there are children (in some capacity); people will talk about you; there is a glass ceiling; what you do outside of work matters a lot; your gender brings a lot to the table; you have boobs - so what; you are a role model; feminist is not a bad word,;support women publicly whenever you get the chance; mentor; have fun; and lastly, smile and be yourself.

An excerpt from Primeau's nomination:

"Tracy has been a Brownie leader, Cub leader, Big Sister, tutor, and a political worker. She ran the school food
program at Elgin Market Public School for five years and was on the Home and School Association board both at Elgin Market and at Kincardine Township-Tiverton Public School.

"She is a member of the Nippissing First Nation and has status there, was a founding member of the Ontario Hydro Native Circle in 1992 and has served as chairperson of that organization and later on the Bruce Power Native Circle for many years. She was a Rotarian from 1995-2009 and was the first Rotary president to ever breastfeed at a meeting.

"Tracy has been involved with the Bluewater Summer Playhouse since 1996, has acted as chairperson, has run the drama camp and is still currently a big supporter and fund-raiser.

"She has been involved with the Women's House Serving Bruce and Grey for many years as a volunteer and as a long-time board member and chairperson. She produced the "Vagina Monologues" for the Women's House more than once and raised over $10,000 in support.

"Tracy is an active member of WiN (Women in Nuclear) and often speaks at conferences and events and enjoys mentoring other women in the field. She is currently serving on the Kincardine Bulldogs hockey team executive.

"In her spare time she loves to read and write and has a monthly column on books in the Bruce County Marketplace called 'Between the Covers.'

"Tracy is a strong role model not only to women in the nuclear industry but throughout the community."

This year's event also featured a keynote address by local author and survivor, Carrie Ann Kent.
She has created Butterfly Healing and is passionate about survivors helping survivors. A clinical setting isn't for everyone.

Kent shared a powerful message with the guests about her journey and how she has turned it into a positive. She found her calling in life. In her speech, she urged everyone in the crowd to create a bucket list. Some items may never get done but at least it's there for you to strive to complete.

Women's House appreciates the Kincardine Women's Triathlon, TD Bank Group, Ontario Power Generation and the Power Worker's Union - this celebration would not have been possible without their continued support.