A self-made woman with a penchant for commerce, Pique founder and publisher Kathy Barnett was never stingy when it came to mentoring other women in business or supporting the needs of the community. She liked nothing more than to watch others find success.
She was killed in January 2008 by a motorist while on a cycling tour of New Zealand, but friends, family and colleagues have worked to honour her memory, her spirit of entrepreneurship, and her vision for Whistler.
Last year the Community Foundation of Whistler, which Barnett helped to found, created a scholarship in her name. The scholarship provides $1,000 to a woman who resides in Sea to Sky and is pursuing a professional development opportunity.
The winner of the 2009 grant is Kari Gaudet, director of childcare services with the Whistler Children's Centre. She will use the grant to participate in two courses, Excelling as a Highly Effective Team Leader and Strategic Grant Proposal Writing.
The Community Foundation wanted to support an applicant who is taking leadership on an issue in the community, and childcare has recently become a major concern with the Spring Creek facility closing, the Teddy Bear Daycare almost closing, and more than 100 families on the waitlist for spaces.
The cheque was presented by the CFOW last week.
This weekend the CFOW will recognize volunteerism while presenting their annual Citizen of the Year Award. The nominees this year include:
• Alison Hunter, who volunteers with three children's choirs, the Whistler Music Festival, the library's used book sale, the Whistler Secondary School musical, as well as a volunteer musician at various community events. She also serves on the Public Art Committee.
• Janet Hamer, who is a long-standing director of the Whistler Secondary's musical as well as other events at Whistler Secondary School.
• Stephany Smith, the chair of the Whistler Children's Centre board of directors.
The 2009 award will be presented on Sunday, June 14 at a celebration at the Spruce Grove Field House. The event includes a barbecue, and runs from noon to 3 p.m.
Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children, and are available at Armchair Books and Pique Newsmagazine.
