In honor of the silver anniversary of the Tennessee Women of Distinction Award, three past honorees have been jointly named to the 2010 award.

They are Dr. Phyllis Miller, a physician and 2000 honoree; Susan Rich, an attorney and 1991 honoree; and Rickie Pierce, an educator and 1997 honoree.

The 25th Annual Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon will be held Tuesday, May 4, from 11:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at the Chattanooga Convention Center Ballroom.

The event, which benefits programs and services of the American Lung Association in Tennessee, is a Chattanooga tradition which normally honors one Tennessee Woman of Distinction, plus 10 of the Chattanooga area’s most accomplished women who have distinguished themselves within their family, career and community.

The 10 women who join the silver anniversary trio in being honored this year are:

Kimberly Coffey, owner of Pediatric Therapy Services;

Robin Derryberry, president of Derryberry Public Relations;

Dolores Harvey, volunteer;

Jan Headrick, volunteer;

Jayne Holder, director of Alumni Affairs, UTC;

Kristy Huntley, program officer and finance officer, Benwood Foundation;

Eleanor Jones, district manager, retired, Social Security Administration;

Jill Levine, principal, Normal Park Museum Magnet School;

Jennifer Nicely, vice president and chief development officer, Memorial Hospital; and

Rebecca Elizabeth Smith, director of scholarships, Community Foundation.

At this year’s luncheon, the American Lung Association will be celebrating the continuing achievements of 240-plus women who have been honored over the 25 years of the award’s history.

“These women truly represent a living legacy as they continue to serve their community through their professional, civic and philanthropic endeavors,” said Debbie Brown and Barbie Standefer, this year’s selection committee chairmen. Both are former Women of Distinction with Ms. Brown honored in 2009 and Ms. Standefer in 2000.

Former Tennessee Women of Distinction are the honorary chairmen of the event- they include Lois Riggins Ezell (1993), Congressman Marilyn Lloyd (1994), June Scobee Rodgers (1995), Martha Ingram (1996), Pat Summitt (1997), Dr. Nell Mohney (1999), Mary Costa (2000), Patricia Neal (2001), Ruth Holmberg (2003), Alice Lupton (2004), Butch Mills (2005), Jo Ann Yates (2006), Sonia Young (2007), Marcia Kling (2008) and Vicky Gregg (2009).

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, Chatter Magazine and WRCB-TV Eyewitness News Channel 3 will serve as a corporate benefactors. WRCB news anchor Cindy Sexton will emcee the event.

Individual tickets are $60 before April 12 and payment must be made in advance to ensure a reservation. Various levels of sponsor tables are also available.

This year tables may be purchased in honor or memory of individuals with lung disease.

For reservations or more information, call the American Lung Association in Tennessee at 629-1098 or go on-line www.TNwomenofdistinction.org .

This annual event benefits the American Lung Association in Tennessee and its mission to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Lung disease is the third leading cause of death in the United States today. In Tennessee alone, more than 814,000 children and adults are affected by lung disease such asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and lung cancer. Smoking, air pollution, and lung disease make breathing difficult for millions of Americans.

Monies raised from the Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon will help fund medical research, advocacy and education to ensure clean air and healthy lungs for all Tennesseans.