International Women's day 2019 Zonta Celebrates March 5, 2019. — Zonta Celebrates International Women’s Day 2019. The Wine Ladies were honored to emcee the event. Here with Catherine Bobesich Co Chair Zonta and key note speaker Catriona Le May Doan, Canadian Gold Metal Olympic Champion.

Oh what a night! Everyone won gold March 5th as the inaugural Zonta Celebrates, International Women’s Day (Zonta Club of Oakville) event took place. It was an extraordinary evening of passion and compassion with close to 600 guests in attendance.

March 8th, 2019 is the 108th anniversary of International Women’s Day with events celebrated around the globe.

Celebration cake honoring 100 year of Zonta International. Cake made by The Sweetest Thing, Kerr Street, Oakville. — Celebration cake honoring 100 years of Zonta International. Cake made by The Sweetest Thing, Kerr Street, Oakville.

Sold out capacity crowd of 600 people turned out for the inaugural Zonta Celebrates event held March 5th, 2019 at the Burlington Convention Center. View from the podium.

We were honored to be the emcees for an IWD event, “Zonta Celebrates” in support of the Oakville Hospital Foundation.

The funds specifically directed to the issues of women’s health. CEO Oakville Hospital Foundation Mary McPherson addressed the group and announced that $50,000 over the next 5 years will be raised by The Zonta Club of Oakville.

The Wine Ladies Georgia and Susanne were honored to emcee the Zonta Celebrates International Women's Day event, — The Wine Ladies Georgia and Susanne were honored to emcee the Zonta Celebrates International Women’s Day event,

Zonta International is a global organization of more than 29,000 members in close to 1,200 Zonta clubs in 63 countries. Since 1919 these ladies, advocates for women’s rights, have been working together to improve the lives of girls and women, for 100 years!

Zonta Oakville ladies on stage enjoying a selfie moment. Tag us #ZontaCelebratesIWD

The highlight of the evening was when keynote speaker two-time Olympic Gold Medal Winner.

The fastest women on ice Catriona Le May Doan approached the podium. She spoke of her victories and her challenges both on the ice and off, in her past and in the present. As a woman in sport, was it a level playing field? Here’s what Catriona had to say “It was for me in my sport but in the last seventeen years, the inclusion of women in other sports and teams has made an improvement but still has a way to go”. And for us in the world of wine, is there equal opportunity? We personally have seen a greater presence of women in our field. Back in 2002 when we started there were far fewer ladies, fast forward many more female wine makers, viticulturists, sommeliers, marketing executives and writers are populating the business. Plus…. do women have better palates? Ah, the $64,000 question!

Catriona Le May Doan, We learn from Catriona that she too has a great love and appreciation for a fine glass of red wine! Besties forever!

Speaking of wine, over to the Wine Wall, what a fabulous collection of wines, wine baskets, and wine related accessories all auctioned off to the highest bid in our silent auction. A big thanks to the many sponsors and private individuals for their generous donations!