Empty Vessel congratulates Vicky Benavente
- Oleai Elementary school students with Saipan’s Next Top Chef and Vicky Benavente of Pacific Islands Club. (Contributed Photo)
- Nola Hix acts as emcee at the Saipan’s Next Top Chef Competition. (Contributed Photo)
- The Empty Vessel Ministry Foundation receives a donation from Hyatt Regency Saipan. (Contributed Photo)
- Dr. Beth Kohnen offers free consultation at the Garapan Street Market. (Contributed Photo)
- Rhea Backe is named the winner of the 2013 Saipan Next Top Chef competition. (Contributed Photo)
- Dr. Jeanolivia Grant educates women about women’s health issues. (Contributed Photo)
The Empty Vessel Ministry Foundation recognizes and congratulates Vicky Benavente for being chosen as the Business Woman of the Year.
In 2011 Benevente welcomed the idea of creating the Saipan’s Next Top Chef event. The competition involves interested chefs on the island to compete and showcase their cooking styles.
The competition is a signature event for EVM to raise funds to support its community work here and abroad. In the past, EVM has been able to provide school supplies to various public schools on Saipan and help provide new toilets for the man’amko in Garapan. EVM was able to support ongoing sponsorship programs for children in the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Kenya. EVM appreciates the support we receive during the competition from contestants, sponsors, and community.
Benavente has been also participating in women empowerment meetings to share her success and encourage young women to pursue opportunities available for themselves to better their lives. Despite her busy schedule as executive assistant for Pacific Islands Club, she is still able to give her time to community work and has been able to help out at EVM and other community projects.
The Empty Vessel Ministry Foundation also honors other great women volunteers this month for their major contribution and support: Esther Muna, CEO of Commonwealth Healthcare Corp.; Raquel C. Bagnol, Marianas Variety; Dr. Jean Olivia Grant of CHC; Dr. Esther Kanajorn of CHC; Dr. Sherleen Osman of CHC; Dr. Beth Kohnen; Nola Hix of Xerox; Rhea Backe, 2013 winner of Saipan’s Next Top Chef; Rep. Felicidad T. Ogumoro; Reina Camacho; Jovita M. Taimanao; Janet U. Maratita; Antonia M. Tudela; Rose Nelly Taman; Marcia Ayuyu of McDonald’s Saipan and Business Woman of the Year for 2013; Shirley Sablan of Pacifica Insurance, Business Woman of the Year for 2014; Cheryl Cabreram MHS principal; Dr. Maria Hy of CHC; Pam Carhill Pacific Wellness; and Kaitlyn Mocanu.
Without their help and contribution, it would be hard for EVM to run its daily activities. EVM depend on generous supporters, donors and businesses for our charitable activities. We appreciate any help extended to us. The time and resources from these great women have added value to EVM. It is possible to be part of community projects if one is willing and committed to the cause.