Two-hundred dynamic women, and a few good men, gathered at the Moorings Yacht and Country Club last Wednesday to salute a group of outstanding Indian River County women at the sixth annual Woman of the Year Awards Luncheon, hosted by the Junior League of Indian River.

The event recognizes local women nominated by their peers; exceptional role models who have demonstrated high ethical standards and a strong sense of community responsibility.

The 2018 Woman of the Year Award was presented to Anne Lanier, who had also accepted the top honor in the Volunteer Category, for her passionate commitment to helping individuals overcome eating disorders. Having lost her beloved daughter to an eating disorder, Lanier parlayed her grief into a drive to assist others, creating a fund to provide financial assistance to those unable to afford treatment. She also visits schools to speak with students about eating disorders, prevention techniques and the importance of getting help early.

“Becky’s death inspired me to talk about this disorder and funnel my energy into helping others avoid this terrible tragedy,” said Lanier, choked with emotion. “I am humbled to be chosen from this powerhouse group of women and grateful to be surrounded by such a supportive community.”

Theresa Tolle, owner and chief pharmacist at Bay Street Pharmacy, received the Business Professional Category Award for her involvement with the Sebastian Chamber of Commerce and Sebastian American Cancer Society, as well as her service as a Substance Abuse Free Indian River County board member and Sebastian River Medical Center trustee.

“I feel blessed to serve my community and winning this award makes me want to do more and do better,” said Tolle.

Moreen Burkart, a music therapist with VNA of the Treasure Coast, received the award in the Civic/Non-Profit Professional Category. The VNA Music Therapy Program has benefited more than 700 hospice patients and their families, as well as Alzheimer’s, dementia and Parkinson’s patients.

“Often the populations we serve cannot advocate for themselves, so we need to step up and make sure their voices are heard,” said Burkart.

Sana Shareef was the shining star in the Rising Star Category, reserved for young women between the ages of 18 to 25, for her amazing accomplishments focused on overcoming the political and religious polarity challenges affecting the community. The St. Edward’s School student founded the Breaking Barriers and Social Justice clubs and developed a youth-run interfaith dialogue event featuring keynote speakers from Georgetown University and the Islamic Center at NYU.

Local organizations had nominated candidates earlier in the year, submitting detailed information listing their accolades and accomplishments to the JLIR and personal statements from the nominees themselves. After narrowing the field to a list of finalists, the committee asked the Junior League of Greater Orlando to select the winners.

“Going outside the county for judging insured that the winners were chosen on their accomplishments alone and not on who they knew or anything else,” said Avery Twiss, event co-chair.

Luncheon proceeds support the mission of the Junior League of Indian River to promote volunteerism, develop the potential of women, and improve communities through effective action and the leadership of trained volunteers.

“It takes a village to raise a vision,” said Erica Arsenault, JLIR president. “We are all about women helping women, which can only be accomplished by lifting each other up and helping others thrive.”

Article by: Kerry Firth, Correspondent