Three local area Women "Making A World Of Difference"

 Elisabeth Bahr, Robin Bahr, and Mary Alice Laird

To be honored at Fifth Annual “Making a World of Difference” Banquet

 Ocean County Women’s Connection will be recognizing Elisabeth Bahr, Robin Bahr, and Mary Alice Laird all from Bayville, NJ, on October 11, 2012 at the Holiday Inn of Toms River, for their outstanding commitment and dedication to those in their communities.   This dinner celebration will begin at 6:30PM with a poster display depicting the honorees’ community involvement.

 Elisabeth Bahr, is a role model for today’s youth, and a non stop supporter of all causes. She is creator and Executive director of “Patti’s Prom Project,” a non profit organization whose purpose is to help families who need formal or business attire at minimal or no cost with proceeds supporting the American Cancer Society.   As a grassroots organizer/fundraiser for Music is the Medicine Foundation (MITM), Liz has helped raise funds and awareness for various nonprofit organizations including Wounded Warrior Project, Sloan Kettering Memorial, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and The Providence house. Liz has spent time dedicated to the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) organization and has volunteered on sustainable and organic farms throughout the country. Currently, she is working with the Music is the Medicine organization and the Providence House to set up a Holistic Lifestyle and Gardening program. Liz is a yoga teacher/therapist and a pre-physical therapy student at Georgian Court University. Her goal is to find holistic answers to help solve world issues, one cause at a time. 

 Robin Bahr, Coldwell Banker Riviera Realtor, Co-founded “Patti’s Prom Project” with her daughter, Elisabeth and is no stranger to making a difference in her community.  As Team Captain for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life for over 10 years, Robin’s heart is to help raise funds for the American Cancer Society.  Robin was active in creating the annual “Bras for a Cause Event,” raising over $10,000 and awareness for Breast cancer and all cancers, since its inception in 2011. Male models decorated in beautiful “Bra Costumes” paraded their outfits then were auctioned off to the highest bidder.  This event brought the community together in a positive way while making aware this dreaded disease.  Robin is also passionate about Real Estate and empowering other Realtors to gain knowledge through educational seminars.  In 2005, she helped charter the Ocean County Women’s Council of Realtors which conducts seminars to update Realtors making this a vital link to our community.  She is active in her parish, St Barnabas Roman Catholic Church, having served as a CCD teacher, Eucharist Minister at a local nursing home and visiting the homebound.  Robin believes in serving, empowering others and volunteering for the betterment of all. 

 Mary Alice Laird, “makes everyone feel that you are her best friend.”  She is a past Pharmacist, teacher, and woman of God.  She Co-founded SWAP, Sharing With A Parishioner at the St. Barnabas Roman Catholic church in Bayville; a program designed to foster good stewardship, share and recycle clothing and household items within the community and in emergencies, nationally and/or internationally.  She co-founded the first support group for separated, divorced, and remarried Catholics in Ocean County in 1983.   Her heart, so full of compassion for others that in1984 she became a commissioned facilitator for “Rainbows for God’s Children”, an international support group for children who have suffered the loss of a parent in death or divorce. In 1987 she became the Certified Director of “Rainbows for God’s Children” at San Damiano, Danville, California.  Mary Alice is truly a wholehearted lover of people reaching out to support everyone in her sphere of influence.

 The Guest speaker will be Fouad Faris, New England Regional Director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the award ceremony will conclude the evening.

 The Ocean County Women’s Connection is part of Stonecroft Ministries, an international ministry with a heart for women to know God and to grow in their relationship with Him.  OCWC holds bi-monthly events, along with Bible Studies and prayer connections.  This event is the annual fundraiser for the group.

 Prepaid reservations are $38.00, available by contacting Linda at 732-244-1701, oceancountywc@yahoo.com or www.oceancountywc.com.  Registration forms and/or Ad journal/boosters contact Jacki at 607 738-2857 or oceancountywc@yahoo.com.  All ads must be in by October 5, 2012 to be included in the award booklet.