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WATCH: Record number of 2018 Women of Excellence Awards nominees

A record-breaking 51 women from Central Alberta are nominated for the 2018 Women of Excellence Awards in 11 categories.

A record-breaking 51 women from Central Alberta are nominated for the 2018 Women of Excellence Awards in 11 categories.

The Red Deer & District Community Foundation (RDDCF) unveiled the nominees Thursday evening.

The previous record of nominations was 32 in 2008 – the first year of the awards.

The awards recipients will be announced at the 11th annual Women of Excellence Awards Gala June 6 at the Sheraton Red Deer Hotel.

Kristine Bugayong, Red Deer & District Community Foundation chief executive officer, said the foundation increased community involvement this year, which may have resulted into the high number of nominations.

Bugayong said another reason could be the heightened awareness about women’s rights around the globe currently.

“That might play a factor,” she said.

Krista VandenBrink, Women of Excellence committee chair, said the committee and foundation engaged the community through social and traditional media to raise the profile of the event.

Nearly 80 people gathered at the Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery for the nominee unveiling announcement. They took turns looking at a museum wall covered in pictures of the nominees.

Bugayong said these women are not celebrities, but “they contribute so much of their time, effort, and resources to the community to make it a better place for everyone.”

Bugayong said the purpose of the awards is to amplify stories of these women, which, in turn, inspires everyone in the community.

Bugayong said the stories of their extraordinary achievements will be heard at the awards gala.

“They don’t have to be Olympic athletes or writing screenplays,” said VandenBrink, adding these women have an impact on the social fabric of the community and the economy, and it’s important to recognize their achievements.

Tickets for the awards night can be purchased online at www.ticketsalberta.com.

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Photo by MAMTA LULLA/Advocate staff The Red Deer and District Community Foundation (RDDCF) announced a record-breaking 51 nominees for the 2018 Women of Excellence Awards Thursday.
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