Celebrating Sedona’s Women Leaders
THIS ARTICLE APPEARS IN THE RED ROCK NEWS
March 3, 2023
Exciting News! The Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau’s second annual International Women’s Day Luncheon at the Poco Diablo Resort to be held on March 8 is sold out. But, you can still participate even if you can’t attend.
The proceeds for this year’s luncheon will benefit the Helen Wolfe Scholarship Fund. The Sedona Women are providing up to $3,500 for those who want to resume their studies and improve their lives. During the luncheon, thousands of dollars in donated prizes from a dozen generous Chamber partners will be raffled. Four prize packages have been assembled, which means there are four chances to win. Dinners for two, overnight stays, gift certificates, rounds of golf and even two seats on the Verde Canyon Railroad are among the prizes. Tickets are just $25 and can be purchased online by March 7, 5:30 p.m. at SedonaWomensLeadership.com, or at the event on March 8. You don’t have to be present to win.
The Sedona Women named the scholarship fund to honor group founder Helen Wolfe. For more than 20 years, The Sedona Women have provided opportunities for area women to engage in Sedona’s community life. The Helen Wolfe Fund is one of its most impactful innovations. Applicants praise the program for helping them limit borrowing, cover expenses such as transportation and supplies, gain professional credentials and, for many, assist in rebuilding lives affected by the pandemic.
The application process is open until April 1 and awardees will be announced in May. To be eligible, you must be a resident of the Verde Valley, which includes Sedona, Cottonwood, Jerome, Cornville, Camp Verde, Rimrock, Lake Montezuma and the Village of Oak Creek. You must also be a re-entering student whose education has been interrupted, and you must have already been accepted at an accredited academic or vocational institution. Check out all the requirements and complete the application at TheSedonaWomen.com/scholarships.
International Women’s Day began in 1911 to celebrate and advance the economic, cultural and political achievements of women. At the luncheon, I enjoy those inspiring moments when we introduce, and honor emerging local women business leaders and celebrate women who have made a difference. We can be proud that so many women play leading roles in our civic, artistic, business and political life. The city of Sedona exemplifies a female role model, Sedona Schnebly.
Last week, our friends at the Sedona Heritage Museum celebrated Sedona’s 146th birthday in her honor.
Local historian Janeen Trevillyan has been spearheading a fundraising effort to renovate Sedona’s gravesite at Cook’s Cemetery near the Elks Club on Airport Road. To date, drainage repairs have been scheduled while engineering and other behind the scenes work have advanced. We can’t wait to see what happens next at the site, which deserves to be celebrated as an iconic Sedona venue.
I value what the IWD luncheon represents about Sedona — the achievements of local women, the enthusiasm of a community ready to honor these amazing individuals, our unique history and the generous spirit of our Chamber partners — who are the true backbone and energy of the Sedona I love.
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–Michelle Conway, President/CEO
Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau