Soroptimist International of Arbutus
Two years ago I had never heard of Soroptimist International, much like most of you reading this I would guess. I was invited to a meeting by my mother and I just thought it would be fun to get out for a couple hours in the evening! Looking back I'm so thankful that I decided to go. Over the past two years I've gotten to know an amazing group of women. My purpose in writing this blog is to hopefully share with the community the things that we're doing in the community to help better the lives of women and girls. And maybe I'll inspire you to join us!
Soroptimist International of Arbutus is just one club of hundreds all over the world. There are more than 95,000 members in more than 120 countries. All clubs have a common mission: Helping women and girls. One of my first questions was "Soroptimi-what?!" I quickly learned that Soroptimist means "best for women."
Our local club is quite a busy group. We give numerous cash grants each year to local women in our community. A couple of those awards are the Violet Richardson Award given to a local high school girl who has gone above and beyond in her community service. The Women's Oppurtunity Award given to a local college student who is head of her household, trying to take care of her family while obtaining a degree.
We also maintain the garden across from the Hollywood movie theater. Ever notice the bright flowers or bright holiday decorations? Yup, that's us!
We've also been helping to support the amazing women at the YWCA's permanent housing project on Southwestern Blvd.
I'm hoping to use this blog to go into more detail about some of the projects we're doing and the fundraising that we do to help pay for our service projects.
For more information you can always visit our website at www.siarbutus.org and stay tuned for future blogs about our upcoming events! I hope that I can help paint a clear picture for everyone about our organization and you'll join us in supporting the women and girls in our community!
Lorna D. Rudnikas
11:18 am on Sunday, June 3, 2012
Terrific blog Melissa!!! I have found being a member of the Soroptimist International of Arbutus a great pleasure and opportunity to reach out to be supportive of women and girls in many ways that help to give immediate and long term positive results in their efforts to succeed. It is a special joy to know that we can make a positive difference.
Margaret McGinty Henn
4:47 pm on Sunday, June 3, 2012
This is a great blog idea. It is very nice to hear about good work going on in our community! Thanks for doing this Melissa, the Soroptimists have been working hard for many years, I am proud to be a member.
Melissa Snyder
8:44 pm on Monday, June 4, 2012
It is a great idea. Thanks for coming up with it! :)
Arbutus Town Crier
10:22 pm on Sunday, June 3, 2012
I have supported women and girls in many ways that help to give immediate and long term positive results, and have had great results, I'm proud that they have made a difference in others lives, these young women have been able to learn how to speak in public, Good morals in helping others and raising money for charitable organizations. as young women I'm am impressed with there grace , gratitude, and do not want to be known to the public for there work and generosity to others in need they do believe God and county helping the needy. I no longer attend but how they do it by the process of learning leadership while helping others of need is truly a two fold, learning and giving and not asking or requesting anything in return,
Barbara Cavender
9:44 am on Monday, June 4, 2012
Melissa, Thank you for using this medium to promote our goals to all of our local friends. As women we need to support each other and SI Arbutus provides us with an organized way to achieve the most by working together. If you would like to joins us please respond, we welcome new members and new ideas.
Mike McAuliffe
3:50 pm on Monday, June 4, 2012
I've seen the Soroptimist sign in the garden across from the Hollywood theater, and wondered what the group was all about, but never got around to Googling it. I was glad to see this article in the Arbutus Patch, because it gave me some insight to your organization. Great job on your garden. It, along with the other adopt-a gardens, really dress up Arbutus.
Zoe Ann Rohm
4:49 pm on Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Zoe Ann Rohm
I have been a Soroptimist for about 10 years and am amazed at how many women we have been able to help.