A businesswoman who has been instrumental in two recent high-profile endeavors has been honored with the 2009 ATHENA Award.
Virginia “Ginny” Clark accepted the 25th Anniversary ATHENA Award Friday night at the Canandaigua Inn on the Lake amid business leaders, previous recipients, family and friends.
“I’m extremely humbled by this,” she said upon the announcement. “I really am.”
Clark, vice president of community affairs at Constellation Brands Inc., was instrumental in two major projects: development of the New York Wine and Culinary Center off of South Main Street in the city, and the expansion and renovation of what is now the Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center on the campus of Finger Lakes Community College in Hopewell.
In accepting the award, Clark encouraged those present to give back more than they already do. She also had a word of advice for younger generations.
“Never close any doors,” she said. “Always leave them open.”
Giving thanks to her fellow nominees, the 2009 recipient expressed gratitude for their accomplishments. Clark said she couldn’t wait to share the moment with her parents; her father is her greatest advocate, she said.
The evening was landmark anniversary — the 25th — for the ATHENA Award program of Canandaigua, one of the first 10 communities to participate in this program.
“The ATHENA Awards reminds us all of the ability within us to make permanent changes in our world,” said Mary Ann Bradley, the 2005 scholarship recipient.
The ATHENA Award is given to a woman who has achieved a high level of professional excellence, given back to the community and helped other women along the way.
“(It) is not a competition or contest,” said Randy Farnsworth, the founding sponsor of The ATHENA Awards and owner of Randall Farnsworth Auto Group. “Rather, it is a celebration of exemplary leadership and honor. The honor truly is in the nomination.”
The 2009 nominees included Judith Bennett, Dr. Kate DaBoll-Lavoie, Pat Pavelsky and Linda Vaughn.
Others honored included Diana Jones for her outstanding commitment to the Business and Professional Women foundation, and Linda Irby Vaughn who received the Woman of Distinction award for her volunteer service.
Read more about this year's ATHENA nominees:
