The Today Show’s Natalie Morales took a break from her hectic work schedule to host Traditional Home’s seventh annual Classic Woman Awards at the Mandarin Oriental in New York on Monday afternoon. The magazine’s signature program, the event celebrates the spirit of volunteerism by recognizing standout charitable women from across the country.

The Today Show’s Natalie Morales, co-hosting Traditional Home Magazine’s Classic Woman Awards at the Mandarin Oriental on Monday, Nov 7 in NYC.

Hundreds attended the  luncheon,  including New York Housewife star Sonja Morgan, and were moved by the stories and videos of the five women who received awards for their extraordinary work towards creating positive change in their communities and in the lives of others. 

From Left: Beth Fuchs, Brenner, Publisher, Traditional Home magazine; Natalie Morales, The Today Show; Lynne Patterson, Pro Mujer; Christina Merrill, The Bone Marrow Foundation; and Liz Ferro, Girls with Sole.

2011 Traditional Home Classic Woman Awards honorees and their causes are: Mary von Kurnatowski, New Orleans, LA (Tipitina’s Foundation/Instruments A Comin’); Liz Ferro, Rocky River, OH (Girls with Sole); Lynne Patterson, Port Washington, NY  (Pro Mujer “Pro Woman”); Kendra Stitt Robins, San Francisco, CA (Project Night Night); and Christina Merrill, New York, NY (The Bone Marrow Foundation).

Traditional Home invited its 4.6 million readers to nominate women who are making a positive difference in their communities. The magazine’s editorial staff and the judges chose these five women who truly are changing the world. The five women are also featured in the magazine’s November/December 2011 issue, on newsstands November 8.

“Traditional Home’s Classic Woman Awards program pays tribute to amazing women who selflessly make it their mission to help others,” says Maine. “It is to our privilege to honor these extraordinary women and make a contribution to their causes.”