MOUNT VERNON — Soroptimist International is a global volunteer nonprofit organization that strives to improve the lives of women and girls by providing access to education, training, and opportunities that enable economic empowerment, particularly for those facing significant obstacles to living their dreams.
Twenty-three business and professional women who recognized they could accomplish more together than alone founded the local club on Nov. 3, 1956. Seventy years later, that realization still animates the club.
At the October meeting, Soroptimists International of Mount Vernon and Knox County looked forward to celebrating the upcoming 70th Anniversary.
President Loretta Reynolds and members honored the past and the hundreds of women on whose shoulders they stand. They toasted the legacy of Charter President Helen Zelkowitz and Charter Member Margie Bair while sharing cherished memories.
Over the past 70 years, the club has distributed approximately $350,000 to the women and girls in the community through various programs.
The club’s work to improve the lives of women and girls takes members’ time, effort, and funds. What works to raise funds at one time may not work later.
The club’s most successful fundraisers were the Wintermute Antique Show and 25 years of Style Shows. Its main fundraiser since Covid has been a half-a-hog raffle. It works well because the pig, tickets and processing are donated and funds raised are matched.
The club’s first Wendy’s Night on Main Street, chaired by Vice President Courtney Reynolds, was Oct. 10. The club received 10% of sales.
“We are grateful to Wendy’s owner Joe Curran and manager Don for this opportunity,” member Rhonda Gherman said.
“Wendy’s Restaurant gives something back to the communities where they do business. ‘Wendy’ would be the kind of girl that invests in dreams, just like our club members.”
Live Your Dream
The club donates to and partners with New Directions Domestic Shelter in its dual mission of assisting women fleeing violence and preventing future violence through education about healthy relationships.
Through its partnership with New Directions, the club presents Live Your Dream Awards at the annual EmpowHER International Women’s Day celebration.
The club’s annual LiveYourDream.org campaign for women heads-of-households seeking to improve their lives is ongoing.
The Live Your Dream: Education and Training Award for Women® offers three levels of cash awards. Eligible applicants can submit their application through Nov. 15.
The club’s top award winner will receive $2,000 with eligibility for additional awards at Region ($5,000) and Federation ($10,000) levels.
Ultimately, a Live Your Dream Awards recipient has the potential to receive up to $16,000 to help offset tuition costs, purchase books, get transportation, or find reliable child care so she can worry less about how to pay her bills and focus on achieving her education dreams.
Last year, Soroptimist distributed more than $3.6 million in Live Your Dream Education and Training Awards for Women® to over 2,500 women all over the world.
To qualify, applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree or vocational training program and demonstrate financial need. To be considered, applications must be submitted online at https://bit.ly/LYDA-apply.
Making a difference
Soroptimist’s partnership with Giving Hope Charity is evidence of the difference the club makes.
Giving Hope Charity was conceived by local school bus drivers during Covid to brighten the lives of children. It is pure magic for children with shopping lists and Christmas spending money.
Partnered with a Soroptimist buddy, children ride a Reindeer Bus across town to shop for gifts for themselves and others.
One child told his Soroptimist buddy, “Now I know what it’s like to have a grandma!”
Donna Hochstetler is chairing this year’s event, scheduled for Dec.12.
Giving Hope Charity has grown to include a Words on Wheels library that travels throughout the county during the summer and allows children to choose books they can keep.
Soroptimists gathered in Dayton on Oct. 24 for the district meeting. They celebrated accomplishments, explored fundraising opportunities, and enjoyed fellowship with friends old and new.
Seventy years after the founding of Soroptimist International of Mount Vernon and Knox County, members are grateful for all the Soroptimists who paved the way for current members and for the generous community that supports its work. Club members are determined to honor that legacy by continuing to support women and girls.
Soroptimist International of Mount Vernon and Knox County hold dinner meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at Donatos Pizza. Anyone interested in joining the club can attend a meeting or send a letter to P.O. Box 1303, Mount Vernon OH 43050.