Twenty-one women who have been nominated by local organizations for their volunteer leadership in the community will be saluted at the annual Women in Service Celebration this Saturday, April 8, at Robinson Ranch Clubhouse in Sand Canyon. A sellout crowd of nearly 200 well-wishers is expected to attend the event, which is sponsored by Zonta Club of the Santa Clarita Valley.

Each of the 21 honorees will be introduced and presented with a plaque from Zonta, symbolizing the importance of their nomination as this year’s outstanding woman volunteer for their non-profit organization. Highlight of the event will be presentation of the Carmen Sarro Award for Improving the Status of Women Through Community Service.

This year’s nominees, and the organization which nominated each of them, include, Barbara Karpp, Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles; Brigitte Travillion, SCV Senior Center; Candace Wells, Domestic Violence Center; Deborah Rocha, SRD-Straightening Reins; Emily Black, Boys & Girls Club of SCV.

Also, Ginger LeVang, Child & Family Center; Jamee Brandt, WISH Education Foundation; Janet Hedke, Special Olympics; Janice Murray, Circle of Hope; Janine Jones, American Cancer Society; Kim Kurowski, Soroptimist International of Greater SCV; Linda Palacios, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital; Lorraine Murphy, SCV Rotary Club; Olive Bruins, American Association of University Women.

Also Patti Ryan, Samuel Dixon Family Health Centers; Sue Nevius, HMNM Hospital Foundation; Tamara Gurney, College of the Canyons Foundation; Teresa Smalley, Heat It Up and Keep It Cool Robotics; Teresa Todd, Carousel Ranch; Tracy Klehn Assistance League of SCV; and Mary Ackerman, Help the Children.

“We have an outstanding field of honorees this year,” said Ronnie Erickson, who is co-chairing the event for Zonta with club member Debra Blakeley. “It was very difficult for the committee to select a winner who truly represents the spirit of Carmen Sarro. These women have truly made a difference in the lives of women in the Santa Clarita Valley and beyond.”

Registration and check-in for reserved guests begins at 9:30 a.m., with brunch served at 10:30 a.m. and introduction of the nominees and their non-profits shortly after. A number of legislators will join Zonta in saluting the final winner, who will be announced shortly before the event ends at 1 p.m.

In addition to the brunch and awards, the event will include a vendor area with products made by women or benefiting women around the world. Guests may also participate in a raffle for hundreds of dollars worth of gift cards, and all guests will be entered into door prize drawings for items donated by vendors.