DaytonDailyNews.com

DAYTON — The theme was inspiration, and it was in ample supply Thursday, Dec. 4, at the Dayton Daily News Ten Top Women awards luncheon, held at the Schuster Center downtown.

"I was asked to talk about what inspired me," said honoree Judy Fanning Turner, executive director of the Miami Valley Alzheimer's Association, "and it's not one incident, but lots of people."

Women tend to give credit to others for their success, and these women were no different: Sharon Kelly Roth, public relations manager for Books & Co, thanked "all the readers" who've made Dayton a must-stop on author tours; Anne E. Ross, attorney and owner of M&M Title, who called herself "part of a bigger pay-it-forward scheme"; Natasha Williams, WHIO-TV news anchor, who voiced her gratitude for being part of "the beautiful circle."

Mistress of Ceremonies Meredith Moss, features writer for the Dayton Daily News, kicked off the event by welcoming the sell-out crowd of 500 to a "happy, happy day."

"It's great to have something positive to celebrate," she said, and the 10 honorees, supported by co-workers, friends and family, were positivity personified.

From Deborah Gross, director of operations for Exeter Government Services and president of the Dayton Area Defense Contractor's Association, came the call to help a child — "your child, your grandchild, a neighbor's child, a child at your church" — discover the joy of learning.

She also praised Dayton's creative spirit, which, she acknowledged, it needs in these hard times.

"I believe the best is yet to come," she said.

Christine Dull, co-founder of the Dayton International Peace Museum, made the point that peace "is not an absence. It is vibrant and alive," and it's up to us.

Angela Addington, who founded Hannah's Treasure Chest, said she's inspired by simply helping others; Carol Levitan, a community volunteer and fund-raiser, says nothing makes her happier than doing good works.

Jenell Ross, vice president of the Bob Ross Organization, is quite conscious of her role as a young, successful black businesswoman, thanking those who paved the way while she carves her own path.

J. Elaine Jelly, a former social worker who's now the Executive Director of Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley, recalled a visit from a former client thanking Jelly for her visits and the positive difference they made.

"That was a good day," she said, surveying the crowd, who knew just what she meant.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2403 or ldempsey@DaytonDailyNews.com.