For the past two years I have been inspired at the Ann Bancroft Awards night. The Awards, named after Minnesota explorer and educator, Ann Bancroft, exemplify her spirit and personal historic achievements.
Ann was the first woman on the North Pole in 1986 and also led the first all-women expedition (AWE) to Antarctica, becoming the first woman in history to reach both Poles across the ice.
On May 13 four outstanding recipients were recognized for their accomplishments and support of girls and women. The accomplishments of each was amazing.
Alison Smith, age 17, has achieved more in the areas of sports, the arts and community service than many four times her age. Susan Hagel, who sustained a spinal cord injury at age 14, has worked tirelessly to create equal opportunities for women with disabilities. She is a mentor, role model and advocate. Mary Hartmann has committed her life to helping impoverished and homeless people, not only through her advocacy but by working directly with children and women to make a difference in their lives. YMCA Camp Widgiwagan has been serving girls since 1947, providing experiences where girls learn the values of respect and leadership through Northwoods adventures.
Hearing of past achievements and accomplishments only set the stage for the heart of the evening. As each recipient gave her two minute acceptance speech I was moved by their humor, humanity and message.
Alison Smith spoke movingly of the importance of choice, the choices she has been given, and the choice that is denied to women both at home and abroad. Because of some of the choices she has made she feels confident there are many young people who will be able leaders for tomorrow. To those of us who are older, she said with a smile, "Don't worry, the future is in good hands."
Susan Hagel, winner of many awards for her athletic and leadership skills, seemed particularly moved by this recognition. "I take every opportunity, like tonight, to increase awareness, expectations and understanding of people with disabilities...I hope that through sharing my story and my athletic career you no longer have an excuse about not knowing about someone with a disability. You see I am making headway. You know me!"
Many of the women Mary Hartmann has helped sat at a table near me. They broke into applause repeatedly as Mary spoke of her passion in helping change the world for women who are homeless. She asked to "open your arms just a little wider and include someone who needs it in the circle of your embrace."
YMCA Camp Widjiwagen also had many supporters in attendance including Ann's mom, Debbie, who was one of the first female campers, and Camp Widjiwagan board chair Sally Patterson who said one of her life changing experiences was being named one of the first women guides at Widji in 1956.
But the night was not just about stories, it was also about money. Three years ago the first Ann Bancroft Awards gala was conceived to try to erase the debt from the 1992-1993 AWE expedition to the South Pole. A committee worked tirelessly to gain corporate support, assemble items for a silent and live auction, and sell tickets for $100 each. They were successful beyond their hopes and 575 attended the first dinner.
Corporate support has grown each year. This year that support totaled $40,000 with Dayton's and The James Ford Bell Foundation contributing $10,000 each and Allina Health System, Ceridian Corporation, Caribiner International, Imation, and Silicon Graphics at the $5,000 level. Before the evening ended, the record setting audience of over 625 was informed that $110,000 had been raised.
"That's quite a difference from our begging for funds for AWE," Ann said. "Not only women and men, but corporations and foundations are realizing that we often cannot realize our dreams without resources."
Ann could hardly wait to make the announcement that this years award winners, as well as those who had won in the two previous years would receive a check for $1000.
I felt a sense of celebration, achievement and power that encourages me not only to continue to tell women's stories, but also to increase my financial support to those causes and individuals who are making a difference in my life. Thanks to Ann, the women at AWE, and this celebration who inspire us to dream and work to make those dreams a reality.
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