South Peninsula Haven House has announced the winners of the 2025 Women of Distinction Awards.

The annual awards are conducted to “celebrate inspiring women in our community,” a March 14 press release states, while also raising funds through ticket sales and both a silent and a live auction during the event to support Haven House’s victim services and prevention programs. This event is held in April, as it is both Child Abuse Awareness Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

This year’s Woman of Distinction award goes to Cathy Stingley. Stingley received “numerous nominations” from the community, according to the release, with one in particular noting that Stingley “does everything she can to help people and help her community.”

The late Sara Berg, mother of Anesha “Duffy” Murnane, is being posthumously awarded the Woman of Wisdom award. Berg was noted in the release as a “courageous advocate for ending violence” whose commitment to building a more compassionate world stems from her service as an Army nurse in the Vietnam War and her work defending orphaned children.

Berg passed away in 2024 from cancer; her husband, Ed, will accept the award on her behalf at the event.

Alexandria Sweeney is this year’s Young Woman of Distinction. Sweeney graduated from Homer High School last year. She also participated in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge on Haven House’s behalf, showing “exceptional determination” and overcoming challenges as she rode to raise funds to “support essential service for victims of violence,” the release states. Sweeney is currently attending Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, where she “continues to inspire those around her with her dedication and enthusiasm for adventure and service.”

Finally, this year’s Hero of the Heart award goes to Dr. William Bell. According to the release, Dr. Bell was nominated by Haven House staff for his outspoken advocacy for Homer’s youth and education regarding violence against women. Bell is noted as a “mentor to many teens, particularly through coaching softball, teaching them about healthy relationships and contributing to the community.” Dr. Bell has provided health care service in Homer for more than 40 years and currently serves as medical director at South Peninsula Hospital for the Long Term Care facility, Employee Health, and Infection Prevention.

Haven House wrote in a Facebook post last Friday that they are “honored to recognize four outstanding individuals for the 2025 Women of Distinction Awards.”

“These remarkable community members have gone above and beyond in their dedication, leadership and service, making a lasting impact on our community,” the organization wrote. “Their efforts embody the spirit of compassion, resilience and empowerment that Have House strives to foster. We are proud to celebrate their contributions and express our gratitude for the positive change they inspire.”

The awards ceremony and fundraiser will be held on Saturday, April 5 from 6-9 p.m. at The Kannery. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Haven House’s chosen theme for the event is “Rooted in Justice, Growing in Love,” which, they wrote, reflects their commitment to supporting all survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault “with both strength and compassion.”

“Rooted in justice, we stand firm in advocating for safety, equity and accountability. Growing in love, we nurture healing, empowerment and hope for a future free from violence,” the organization wrote.

Haven House will also announce during the event a new sexual violence prevention campaign which they will dedicate this year to Murnane.

Tickets for the 2025 Women of Distinction awards ceremony and fundraiser are currently on sale at the Haven House office and at the Homer Bookstore. For questions, contact Haven House at 907-235-7712 or board@havenhousealaska.org.

Alexandria Sweeney will receive the 2025 Young Woman of Distinction Award on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Haven House Women of Distinction Awards.

Photos provided by South Peninsula Haven House Dr. Bill Bell is the recipient of the 2025 Hero of the Heart Award, part of Haven House’s annual Women of Distinction Awards.