Arizona Foundation for Women 17th Annual Luncheon and Awards

Academy Award Winner Goldie Hawn receives the Sandra Day O’Connor Award.

The Arizona Foundation for Women pays tributes to those who make a difference in the lives of women and children.  This years luncheon was held at the elegant ballroom of the Phoenician Hotel.  The room was filled with about a thousand women and companies from the valley who came in to show their support for this amazing event.

Well-known businessman and columnist Harvey Mackay was the host of the ceremony.

Recognized was Missy Anderson who received the Marilyn R. Seymann Award for her long-time philanthropic efforts and as an advocate for domestic violence.  She has worked with numerous organizations across the valley and recently received the Visionary Award from Florence Crittenton for her fundraising efforts.  Missy is a valley native and has been involved with the Arizona Foundation for Women since its inception in 1997.

Ernie Allen was the very first man to receive an award from the Arizona Foundation for Women. He was awarded the Voice for Women Award.  Ernie is the Co-Founder of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, a private, non-profit organization that is leading the global effort to protect children from abduction and sexual exploitation.

Ernie is the current President and CEO of ICMEC and has held the position since the organization’s conception in 1999.  ICMEC has developed and changed laws, trained professionals and has partnered with businesses and governments globally to enact laws on child exploitation and pornography.

Ernie Allen’s and his efforts have been recognized by four US presidents, US Congress, US Attorney General, US Dept. of Justice, FBI, Secret Service, Us Marshals Service and many others.

The highlight of the event was when Academy Award Winner Goldie Hawn received the Sandra Day O’Connor Award and was recognized for her dedication to women’s health issues, animal welfare, and for her efforts in regards to young people’s social and emotional health and well-being. Past recepients of the Sandra Day Oconnor Award include: Tipper Gore, Billie Jean King, Marian Wright Edelman, Sally Ride, Barbara Bush and many more.

Goldie established the Hawn Foundation to create the educational program, MindUp, an evidence-based curriculum and teaching model that helps children understand their emotions, reduce anxiety and improve academic performance.

Ms. Hawn has also authored best- selling books to inspire women and children such as A Lotus Grows in the Mud, 10 Mindful Minutes, and Easy steps to Joy and Mindfulness for Parents and Children.

The luncheon concluded with a fireside conversation; Harvey MacKay having a candid discussion with Goldie Hawn.