From left, Audrey Dunn, Ann Marie Rogers, Allison Bugos (front) and Mary Ann Jacobs

The Girl Scouts of Gateway Council recently hosted its 30th annual Women Who Make a Difference event, sponsored by Publix Charities at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center.

The event recognized outstanding women leaders in Gainesville for their contributions to the community. Honorees exemplified the Girl Scout mission as women of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.

This year, five women were honored, including Alena Lawson, Dorothy Benson, Sheila Crapo, Dorothy Thomas, and Ann Marie Rogers, who received the lifetime achievement award.

Each honoree was paired with a Girl Scout to mentor, providing girls with an opportunity to learn from these remarkable women, shadow them in their given fields and attend events together. Honorees learn more about the girls and their accomplishments along the way, many of whom continue their relationship long after the program ends. The symbiotic relationship reinforces the Girl Scout mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.

For more information about the event, this year’s honorees or to learn more about the Girl Scouts of Gateway Council, visit: https://www.girlscouts-gateway.org/.