By Lori Evans
Homer Independent Press

South Peninsula Haven House’s 2026 Women of Distinction Honorees share some common characteristics: They’re courageous. They’re committed to the community. And they have a boatload of compassion, says Britt Huffman, chair of the SPHH board of directors.

Being honored this year are Sherry Stead, Woman of Distinction; Dr. Katie Ostrom, Woman of Wisdom; Hannah Gustafson, Shining Star; and Olga Von Ziegesar, Hero of the Heart.

In her six years on the SPHH board, Huffman says no individual has ever received as many nominations as Stead did this year. That’s not surprising to those who know her.

Friends say she’s always thinking about ways to make things better for everybody, including coming up with new ways to raise money for anyone who needs help.

Her enthusiasm and energy have made her the go-to person to solicit donations for all kinds of good causes, including the Empty Bowl soup luncheon for the Homer Community Food Pantry and, for many years, the Women of Distinction celebration, a fundraiser for Haven House. 

Helping others and creating a space for community has always been part of the vision for Grace Ridge Brewing, the family business that Sherry and her husband, Don, started in 2016 as a retirement project for Don. 

The variety of events now hosted there says that vision has become reality: the knitting group meets there, there’s a Halloween event, an Easter Egg hunt, Yappy Hour with the dogs, speakers on all kinds of topics, a chili cookoff for the Kachemak Nordic Ski Club, bake sales to raise money for a host of good causes, and art events, including First Friday showings. That’s just a small taste of what goes on. Just about every week, the brewery hosts a fundraiser or some other community happening.

For the first five years of the brewery’s existence, every month’s tips were donated to a different nonprofit — with about $100,000 distributed to community organizations over those five years. 

Stead maintains the why behind the generosity is fun, plain and simple.

“I’ll do anything if it sounds like fun,” she says. “And when it’s for everyone.”

She insists what she does is only possible because of the kind of community Homer is.

“The community has really given me these amazing opportunities. It’s really an awesome place. That’s what I want to highlight.”

This year’s nominations “organically matched” the theme of for this year’s Women of Distinction Fundraiser and Celebration, “Courageous Compassion,” Huffman says. 

Information provided by Haven House shows why each of the four honorees were chosen:

• Sherry Stead, Woman of Distinction, is being celebrated for the time, energy and heart she has poured into making Homer safer, healthier and more connected through her numerous volunteer positions.

• Dr. Katie Ostrom, Woman of Wisdom, is being honored because her outstanding professional service and breadth of knowledge set her apart as a leader in her field. Her contributions extend beyond her profession, enriching the community and leaving a legacy of excellence and integrity.

• Hannah Gustafson, Shining Star, is being recognized for her leadership and dedication to strengthening community partnerships that support health and resilience for all. The Shining Star is picked by the SPHH board.

• Olga Von Ziegesar, Hero of the Heart, is being awarded for her unwavering commitment to supporting and inspiring young people through her dedication to education. Chosen by the SPHH executive director and staff, this honor is given to an individual who has gone above and beyond in supporting Haven House’s mission, whether through volunteering, uplifting staff or making a difference in the lives of clients.

The four will be honored April 4 at The Kannery during the Women of Distinction Celebration and Fundraiser. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; the event begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are $100 each and can be purchased at the Homer Bookstore (cash or check) and the Haven House office (card transactions). The ticket price includes hors d’oeuvres and a specialty cocktail or mocktail. Silent and live auctions are part of the event.