Women of all ages celebrated at second annual women's gala

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future.

For that reason, Le Centre Culturel in Alexandria was proud to host its second annual International Women's Day Gala at Ecole Secondaire Le Relais last Sunday, March 7.

The auditorium at Le Relais was filled to capacity with women, as well as a few men who came out to show their appreciation.

"This is a day to celebrate women from all over the world," said Suzanne Lavoie, president of the organizing committee. "I am very pleased with the turnout for this year's event."

The room echoed with laughter as Melanie Valade and Rachel-Anne Hamelin entertained the crowd with their comedic portrayal of a variety of different characters, including a chef and Oprah Winfrey.

At one point, Valade ventured out into the audience asking for the public's view on celebrating International Women's Day.

"It's a good thing," said one enthusiastic onlooker. "Women deserve at least one day, since men get the other 364."

A variety of awards were handed out to honour local women in six different categories. Organizers received countless nominations for the awards and pointed out that it was "very hard to narrow the nominations down to three finalists for each category."

Manon Lalonde of Alexandria received the award for Outstanding Volunteerism, and runners-up were Carole Lajoie and Therese Whelan.

Alexandria resident Judithe Doiron-Sabourin brought home the award for Outstanding Sportswoman, along with runners-up Darlene Flaro-Novosad and Jaqueline Fraser.

Cecile Menard, also from Alexandria, was recognized as an Outstanding Mother, with honorable mentions going to Madeleine Faubert-McMenanmin and Noella Picard-Claude.

In a category recognizing women and their environmental efforts, Julie Slater received the top prize, with second prize going to Jessica Robinson.

Helene Lauzon, owner of the Jean Coutu pharmacy in Alexandria, was recognized as an outstanding career woman. Runners-up were Micheline Dubé and Chantal Lajoie.

Marie-Hélène Leroux from Apple Hill was presented with the Outstanding Youth Award, with honorable mentions going to Angele Beauclair and Marie-Eve Lajoie.