Six local women have been selected as recipients of the Second Annual Women of Compassion Awards, a joint effort by The Community Foundation of Lorain County and Lorain County Community College to celebrate women and the behind-the-scenes work that they do to make a difference.  Nearly two dozen nominations solicited through a community-input process were reviewed by a volunteer committee that selected the following recipients:

	Kathy Grueschow – just working as an oncology nurse would be demanding enough for most individuals, but Kathy, who works for Community Cancer Center, goes above and beyond everyday duties to comfort and befriend her patients.  Kathy donates her time to speak with cancer patients and their families and answer questions about treatment in addition to providing clothes and winter coats to those in need, toys for children, and thank-you lunches for her fellow staff members.  A nominator writes, “I can honestly say I know no one that is more of a caregiver to anyone and everyone than Kathy.”
	Pamela Hakaim – along with her husband, Tom, Pamela created The Love Center, feeding over 50,000 people over the past eight years.  Pamela is known for helping others that she runs into on the street and organizes food donations in a cheerful and respectful setting.  In addition to The Love Center, Pamela also created gift baskets for residents of the Haven Center, a homeless shelter, that were distributed during the holidays.  Her nominator writes, “She is not afraid to help a stranger, no matter what.”
	Emily Quayle – Emily has survived every parent’s worst fear – losing a child.  In 2007, her three-year-old daughter, Sophie, was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumor.  Despite aggressive treatment and care, Sophie lost her fight after seven months.  Emily turned her grief into action by creating Smiles for Sophie Forever, a non-profit organization that raises money both to support families affected by brainstem tumors and for research.  Smiles for Sophie Forever, with Emily at the helm has already distributed nearly $50,000 to fight this terrible disease and assist families left in its wake.
	Dr. Basabi Ratnaparkhi – Basabi has devoted her personal and professional life as an advocate for the elderly.  A nursing home administrator, Basbai is also a board member for the Volunteer Guardianship Program of Lorain County.  Through this program, she has helped over 100 individuals in need of a guardian and has volunteered her time, home, and skills to their cause.  As a tribute to her compassion, a fund was created in Basabi’s name through the Guardianship Program that fulfills end of life decisions for those elderly in need, including providing a proper burial.  Basabi also speaks throughout the community on women’s issues, independence, and equal rights for women of all backgrounds.
	Roslyn Valentine – Roslyn’s nominator, writes her nominator, “is the quintessential master of tough love.”  As principal of Early College High School at LCCC, she provides an environment where students of mixed abilities and motivation can soar, resulting in high achievement for many of her at-risk students.  Believing in each of her students, Roslyn sets a high example and expects hard work and discipline.  Yet, each student knows of her love and support – essential for students who are the first in their families to attend college.
	Evann Heidersbach – Evann was selected as the Rising Star recipient, a young woman under the age of twenty-five working to make a difference.  A recent honors graduate of Elyria Catholic High School, Evann, who now attends The Ohio State University, coordinated a service exposition that encouraged other EC students to become actively involved volunteers with local organizations.  She also helped build an outdoor shelter for the Haven Center, a homeless shelter, and is a graduate of Leadership Lorain County.

    
The recipients will be recognized at a gala luncheon to be held on Thursday, October 15, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the Spitzer Conference Center on the campus of Lorain County Community College.  Brooke Taylor, morning-drive host on the FISH 95.5 FM will serve as emcee.  Tickets are $35 apiece or $300 for a sponsored table of eight and may be purchased by calling 440.277.0142 or 440.323.4445.  Proceeds will benefit The Community Foundation’s Women’s Fund and the Women’s LINK program at LCCC.