Letter of thanks: A heartfelt thank you from AWARE

AWARE's 2026 Women of Distinction. (Photo courtesy of AWARE)

AWARE is profoundly grateful to everyone who supported our 28th Annual Women of Distinction Gala. It was a privilege to join our community in celebrating the remarkable contributions of our 2026 honorees: Maria Gladziszewski, Seikoonie Fran Houston, Christina Love, and Dr. Alice Taff. Their inspirational words made the evening truly unforgettable. We also paid special tribute to Saralyn Tabachnick, honoring her 39 years of visionary leadership and dedicated service to AWARE and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. 

We extend deep appreciation to our emcees: Amy Dressel and Bailey Woolfstead; to the Alyssa Fischer Trio (Alyssa Fischer, Tom Locher, and Clay Good) for providing live music; to our live auctioneer, Jesse Kiehl, and to KTOO Public Radio and the Juneau Media Center for their advertising support.

Thank you to our generous sponsors: Silver Corporate Sponsors: Juneau Media Center, Movement Mortgage (Cathy Johnson), SEARHC, Tongass Federal Credit Union, and True North Federal Credit Union; and our Ruby Precious Gems: Elgee Rehfeld, Hansen Gress, IBEW Local 1547, and Juneau Artist Gallery.

Additionally, we are grateful for our auction donors: Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Brewing Co., Alaska Capital Inn, Alaska Railroad Corporation, Alaska Robotics, Ani Torgison, Amy Kesten, Art Matters, Astral Body Aesthetics, The Bear’s Lair, Brenda Wright, Coastal Helicopters, Costco, Dave Harris, Devil’s Club Brewing, Estela Holst, Freda Westman, Gigi Monroe, Goldbelt Corp., Gold Town Nickelodeon, Heavenly Crumbs, Holland America Line, Hot Shot Coffee, Ike’s Fuel, In Bocca Al Lupo, Isabel Lee, Island Pub, JA Jules ,Jacqui Tingey, Jayleen’s Whale Watching, Joe Buck, Juneau Greens, Kate Boesser, Kindred Post, La Creatia Wilson, Lauren Hopson, Loren & LaRae Jones, Marlyn Carillo, Mary Watson, Medora Rorick, Melissa Griffiths, Melvin Cristobal, Naomi Michalsen, Natalee Rothhaus, NorthStar Trekking, Nugget Alaskan Outfitters, Out-of-Paper Designs, Paula Rohrbacher, Salissa & Jeffrey Thole, SALT, Saralyn Tabachnick, Scott & Donna Johnson, Shawn Hatt Cohen, the National Shrine of St. Therese, Silverbow Inn, Supanika Ordonez, Sweet Reilly’s, Temsco Helicopters, The Bees Knees, and Wolfsong Wellness.

Finally, we give a special thanks to our tireless Board of Directors: Officers: Bailey Woolfstead, Corey Wall, Medora Rorick, and Supanika Ordonez, and members Beth Affatato, Amy Dressel, Isabel Lee, Jocelyn Miles, Scott Thompson, and La Creatia Wilson. Alongside the board, I wish to also thank Christina Patterson and our event coordinator, Mandi Canady, for their incredible efforts in making this event a success. 

Proceeds from this gala directly fuel AWARE’s mission to provide safety for survivors and end violence in our community. Together, we are building a stronger, safer Juneau.

Gunalchéesh! It would not happen without you.

Mandy Cole

Executive Director 

AWARE