Cribs for Kids, a Pittsburgh-based non-profit whose mission is to ensure safe sleep for babies, recently held its annual Women of Achievement Awards. This yearly event features dynamic women from around the nation and the Junior Women of Achievement. This year’s winner of the Laura Ditka Award for Advocacy & Service was Sherry Jo Matt. Learn more about the award and Sherry Jo below.
In 2008, Laura Ditka was honored at this event and also served as emcee throughout the coming years.
In 2019, Cribs for Kids changed the name of their most prestigious national honor to the Laura Ditka Award for Advocacy & Service, giving it to her posthumously. This is the introduction of the award initially shown in 2019. And, here is a peek into the 2019 event.
On March 2, 2023, Sam and Anthony Ditka, Laura’s Light Board Members, had the honor of presenting this year’s award to Sherry Jo Matt of Stop the Judgement Project (STJP). Sherry Jo lost her daughter, Siena, to mental health and addiction in 2020. In the throes of her grief, Sherry Jo hoped to prevent the loss of even one more child and founded STJP, to create awareness of the stigma behind mental health and substance abuse disorders.
Sam Ditka nominated Sherry Jo because of the strong connection between the families, not only did their kids grow up together, Siena first reported a sexual assault to Laura Ditka several years ago. Siena also was a client of PAAR (Pittsburgh Action Against Rape) on Laura’s recommendation.
Please enjoy the award’s presentation and acceptance speech.
It is an honor to have Laura’s Light, Cribs for Kids, and STJP connected.
