New Orleans, LA (November 19, 2013) – Diane Lyons, Founder of FestiGals and President and CEO of the New Orleans-based ACCENT on Arrangements, Inc., a DMC Network Company, has been named as a recipient of the inaugural HandCraft Heroes award. CherylIndelicato, proprietor of Napa Valley’s HandCraft Artisan Collection Wines, made the announcement recently. The third generation California vintner was inspired to create the award from her own experience with breast cancer patients as a registered nurse for over two decades. Indelicato sought to honor individuals who promote early detection and offer support to patients during treatment. HandCraft received hundreds of nominations from across the country from ordinary people doing extraordinary things before announcing the 2013 winners. Selected by an independent panel of judges headed by Susan G. Komen spokeswoman Dr. Sheri Phillips Prentiss, three women were singled out as HandCraft Heroes: Stacy Cumberbatch of San Francisco, California, Melanie Young of New York, New York, and Diane Lyons of New Orleans, Louisiana.
Each of the winners were selected for their compelling stories that inspired others, the creativity of their fundraising initiatives and the monetary values generated from their campaigns that benefit breast cancer programs within their respective communities. “You inspire me. Your passion, commitment and actions to help end breast cancer in our lifetime encourage and remind us of what is possible,” said Indelicato, the award’s founder. As a highly respected businesswoman, Diane Lyons has directed a premier destination management company for over twenty-three years. In 2011, Lyons founded the non-profit entity FestiGals that produces one of the country’s only festivals specifically designed for women. She has been honored nationally by the Professional Convention Management Association, featured in USA Today and appeared on Good Morning America with Diane Sawyer. Lyons has also been twice honored by New Orleans City Business as one of their top “Women of the Year.” She has been named “Supplier of the Year” by the Women’s Business Enterprise Council and is widely considered a ‘woman of action’ within the hospitality industry. Lyons was selected for the HandCraft Heroes honor for her work on behalf of women under the FestiGals umbrella. “I am extremely moved and humbled to have been chosen by HandCraft for this award,” explained Lyons. “As a New Orleanian whose career has been focused on showcasing our city, I wanted to create an event for women by women, one that enriches their lives, empowers them and encourages women to rediscover themselves in one of the premier destinations in the country while supporting women’s causes. To have been recognized for this labor of love is simply overwhelming.”
Through FestiGals premier fundraising initiative, the “Bodacious Bras for a Cause Auction,” Lyons has raised more than $40,000 for the Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans. This organization provides meaningful support and services to women with cancer. The inspiration to create this wonderful event came from Lyon’s sister, Ginger, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2008.
All three award-recipients will be honored in Monterey, California by HandCraft at a private inspirational retreat hosted by Dr. Sheri Prentiss and Cheryl Indelicato. A cash award of $2,000 will also be donated to each winner’s “pink” charity of choice.
About FestiGals The brainchild of entrepreneur and New Orleans tourism professional Diane Lyons, FestiGals maiden-voyage in 2011 attracted over 150 women. Last year over 400 women from over 15 states throughout the county converged on New Orleans to take part in this unique four-day long extended weekend festival held each June. Endorsed by The New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation and the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, FestiGals has been voted “Best Girls Getaway” by AAA Southern Traveler. FestiGals is a 501c3 entity that is committed to raising awareness and resources for issues that impact today’s women. One hundred percent of proceeds generated from the “Bodacious Bras For A Cause Auction” are donated tocommunity organizations that support underserved women in need during their battle with cancer. For more information on FestiGals visit www.FestiGals.org
About ACCENT on Arrangements, Inc., a DMC Network Company Founded in 1991 by Certified Meeting Planner and Destination Management Certified Professional Diane Lyons, ACCENT on Arrangements is an award-winning New Orleans-based destination management company that provides professional special event management. ACCENT offers complete event solutions that are both innovative and creative. With a full range of services from pre-planning and site selection to all elements associated with special event execution, ACCENT’s talented team of experienced professionals routinely delivers results that exceed expectations. The company embraces a culture of corporate responsibility and “voluntourism,” and actively seeks organizations and opportunities that enrich our community through philanthropy. To learn more about ACCENT, visit www.accent-dmc.com
About HandCraft Artisan Collection Wines HandCraft Artisan Collection Wines are crafted by Delicato Family Vineyards, a family-owned California winery founded in 1924. Three generations of the Indelicato family have guided grapes from vineyard to bottle and into homes and dining establishments around the world. DFV is steadfastly committed to producing and representing wines of the highest quality produced in accordance with sustainable winegrowing practices. In 2012, third generation vintner, Cheryl Indelicato launched HandCraft Artisan Collection Wines, a celebration of her California roots and Italian heritage, with a personal commitment to donate $100,000 toward breast cancer research, prevention and awareness. For more information about HandCraft Artisan Collection Wines visit www.handcraftwines.com or find HandCraft on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HandCraftWines.