On Saturday, May 2, 2009, Sylvia G. Rickard and Denise M. Winslow were honored for their community work throughout the Salt Lake Valley at the 16th Annual Consociates Auxiliary Women of Distinction Luncheon and Fundraiser, held at Hidden Valley Country Club.

Over 125 guests applauded Sylvia’s work with breast cancer. Sylvia is a two-time breast cancer survivor. She founded the Utah Breast Cancer Network in 2000 to keep Utah women informed of NBCC’s (National Breast Cancer Coalition) Legislative Agenda, breast health issues, and clinical trial information. She is often called upon to help patients navigate the health care system, by community members, the Utah State Health Department, and health care professionals. Sylvia serves as a strong and active advocate for numerous local and national committees influencing the lives of women dealing with breast cancer.

Next the guests heard from Denise who began her career in the field of disability services. She spent many years working with community members, neighborhood groups, and families while assisting nearly 200 people to move into their first homes outside of an institution. As a community volunteer, Denise co-founded Ten Thousand Villages, Utah, a popular nonprofit organization in the Sugar House area that supports fair trade for artisans in developing countries. As the board chair for the first seven years of the organization, she lead the fundraising efforts to open the store, implement a volunteer tracking system, and led the PR campaign to promote this unique store’s mission.

Consociates Chairman Julie Pratt and Luncheon Chairman Stephanie Ward presented both women with an engraved keepsake commemorating the event.