Loretta K. “Lorie” Foley, one of Ashland’s most visible and involved residents, has been recognized for her contributions to the Arts by being named one of the YWCA’s Outstanding Women for 2011.

On May 6, Foley will be honored during a luncheon that helps raise money to support YWCA programs, including a domestic violence shelter, affordable preschool and after-school care services, and 24-hour emergency access to trained sexual assault counselors.

The awards play “an important role in bringing exceptional women together,” Cassandra Emery, executive director and chief executive officer of the YWCA of Richmond, said on Thursday when the announcement of this year’s honorees was made.

“The accomplishments of these women have resulted in remarkable progress for women and children in this community,” she added. “The class of 2011 joins 300 individuals who have been previously recognized for leadership excellence. They represent every community sector ranging from business and education to volunteerism and the arts.”

Foley is the owner of Foley Business Services, a survey company for banks, credit unions and nonprofits.

She is the founder and director of the Children’s Musical Theater Camp.

She is one of the founders of townhound.com, a website created to highlight events in the Ashland and Hanover County.

Foley is the co-director and co-producer of the Ashland Musical Variety Show and co-director and co-founder of the Hanover Idols Competition.

Joining Foley as honorees this year are: Katherine Busser (Capital One), Business; Stacy Hawkins Adams (Prevent Child Abuse Virginia), Communications; Yvonne Brandon, Ed.D. (Richmond Public Schools), Education; Deborah Johnston (Care Advantage Inc.), Health & Science; Shawnee Weitzel Hansen (Richmond Friends of the Homeless), Human Relations & Faith in Action; Colleen Marea Quinn (Locke, Partin, DeBoer & Quinn), Law & Government; Kathleen Burke Barrett (St. Joseph’s Villa), Nonprofit Management; and Alice Goodwin (The Virginia Home), Volunteerism.

According to the YWCA, this year’s winners were selected based on their impact on the Greater Richmond Community, their leadership skills, a high level of personal and professional achievement, and commitment to the YWCA of Richmond’s mission to empower women and elevate children. 

They will be formally recognized and celebrated at the YWCA of Richmond’s Annual Outstanding Women Awards Luncheon, presented by Bon Secours, at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 6, at the Downtown Richmond Marriott at 500 E. Broad St.

Ticket sales will begin in early March. Individual luncheon tickets are $50. Other ticket prices include: table, $500; patron table, $1,000; and corporate sponsor table, $1,500. Individual and corporate sponsorships are available.