Vola Lawson, Ruthanne Lodato Among Ten to be Honored at Salute to Women Awards  

For Immediate Release: March 20, 2014 

The Alexandria Commission for Women has announced the honorees for its 34th Annual Salute to Women Awards. Ten women will be recognized for their accomplishments in civic life and for the improvements they have brought about to the well-being of Alexandria women and girls. The awards are presented for achievement in private and governmental pursuits, including the arts, business, service to youth, public policy, health and safety, public service and civic leadership.

Among this year’s award recipients are the late Vola Lawson, former City Manager (recipient of  the Susan Lowell Butler Lifetime Achievement Award), and the late Ruthanne Lodato, founder of the children’s program “Music Together Alexandria” and pianist for Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church  (Donna Bergheim Cultural Affairs Award recipient).  

The other 2014 awardees are Jen Walker (Marguerite Payez Award), Joyce Rawlings (Youth Community Services Award-Adult), Nancy Martinez (Youth Community Services Award--Youth), Joan Renner (Leadership in Business and Career Development Award), Jean Kelleher (Marian Van Landingham Legislation and Public Policy Award), Amy Creed (Making a Difference Award), Wendy Webb (Vola Lawson Award) and Cynthia Skinner (Rising Star Award).  All awardees were selected by an independent committee appointed by the Commission.

The Salute to Women Awards event will be held Monday, March 31, at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, 600 Dulany Street. The reception begins at 6 p.m. followed by the awards ceremony at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $65 per person. Sponsorships and ads in the event program are available. Proceeds from the event benefit the Alexandria Sexual Assault Center. Visit www.alexwomen.com or call Latoshia Love at 703.746.3123 for details or to purchase tickets.