Wonder if she's caught her breath yet? Maia Chung-Smith, known as a jovial journalist and perky personality, was left gasping on Wednesday night as she accepted the 2009 First Global Vision Award, in association with The Gleaner's Flair Magazine, at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel.

The second Vision Award dinner was just as classy as last year's inaugural event, with guests having the chance to congregate with another quality-laden quintet of nominees. Dr Cecile Walden, Caroline Miles, Winsome Wilkins and Lorna Bell were the finalists. The judges must have had a hard time deciding who would be the 2009 recipient and, after the drum roll and crescendo, master of ceremonies Fae Ellington said the name.

The Maia Chung Autism and Disabilities Foundation has been able to raise funds and attract donations in various forms, from medication and school equipment to groceries. Perhaps the biggest contribution to the battle with autism is raising awareness of the disease. Chung-Smith's youngest son is autistic. After accepting her award, she said she was "honoured, shocked and awed", and hoped the award would be a harbinger for policy to be implemented to help those affected by the disease. Chung-Smith said it is tiring work but, "I guess I can't throw it (the towel) in now."

Before the emotional climax, guests were treated to a feast of music from entertainers, including Paulette Bellamy and Alex Martin-Blanken. They seemed to have no musical limits, touching many genres, both in the cocktail session and during dinner. As the vignettes and citations were presented, each finalist got the whoops and hollers from their personal cheering sections in good-natured 'campaigning'.

The First Global Vision Awards were created to highlight and reward women who, through their efforts and personal sacrifice, have enriched the lives of their communities and the wider Jamaica. Guest speaker for the event was Mia Amor Motley, leader of the opposition Barbados Labour Party.

Guests out included: Patrick McDonald, Robert Drummond, Dr Blossom O'Meally-Nelson, Deborah Stewart, Michelle Wilson-Reynolds, Beverley and Anthony Lopez, Donna Parchment-Brown, Aubyn and Tamara Hill, Allison André Gooden, Norma Brown-Bell, Winsome Levy, Athena Lewars, Janice Henlin, Sheron Dixon-Brown, Harry and Ann-Marie Smith, Ann-Marie Herron, Barrington Robinson, Daryl Sutherland and Evelyn Walden.

Chief Executive Officer of GraceKennedy, Douglas Orane (centre), and Courtney Campbell, First Global Holdings, stand with the grandes dames of the 2009 First Global Vision Awards. The distinguished women are (from second left) Caroline Miles, finalist; Lorna Bell, finalist; Maia Chung-Smith, winner of the 2009 award; Mia Mottley, guest speaker at the awards dinner; and finalists Winsome Wilkins and Dr Cecile Walden.- photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Having a good time at the First Global Vision Awards are (from left) Howard Cooper, Jamaica National Building Society’s executives Wesley Scott and Leon Mitchell

Warren Mottley and wife Shawn (right) meet Becky Stockhausen of the American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica at the First Global Vision Awards on Wednesday night.

Winsome Wilkins, president and chief executive officer of United Way of Jamaica, accepts her nomination award from Robert Drummond, president of First Global Financial Services Limited, at the First Global Vision Awards.

Courtney Campbell, CEO of First Global Holdings, presents Lorna Bell with her nomination award.

Caroline Miles of Seaforth High receives her nomination award from First Global Bank President Wayne Wray.

Dr Cecile Walden receives her nomination award from First Global Bank President Wayne Wray.

First Global Bank President Wayne Wray is delighted to be in the company of two powerful women, Minna Israel (left), RBTT managing director, and Winsome Wilkins, president and CEO of United Way of Jamaica.

A great woman should always be the centre of attention. Mia Amor Mottley, opposition leader in Barbados and guest speaker at the First Global Vision Awards, chats with (from left) Douglas Orane, CEO of GraceKennedy, Courtney Campbell, CEO of First Global Holdings, and Wayne Wray, president of First Global Bank. The awards were held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Wednesday.