Soroptimists Celebrating Success
Soroptimists Celebrating Success Awards recognize outstanding club projects that improve the lives of women and girls through programs that provide women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment or promotes Soroptimist as an organization that improves the lives of women and girls. These awards recognize the best practices of Soroptimist clubs in each of the four pillar areas supporting the SIA strategic plan: fundraising, membership, program and public awareness. Due to the region on July 1 of each year, the Soroptimists Celebrating Success Awards honor outstanding programs undertaken in that club year. Clubs don't have to wait until then to submit your applications - consider sending in the application right after completing your project.
The region governors and SIA board of directors decided in June 2013 to revise the Soroptimists Celebrating Success Awards by adding a region‐level component. By expanding the program to include a region‐level component, clubs need only apply once to receive recognition for their best work at both the region and federation level. The awards have been designed to recognize best practices in each region as well as over‐all best practices for the organization. Each region will select a finalist in each of the four pillar areas. Four federation finalists will be selected from the region recipients to be celebrated as the best projects in the organization—projects from which all clubs can learn and celebrate.
Soroptimists Celebrating Success Chair - Debbie Scaife - SI/Eel River Valley.
If you have any questions, contact Debbie at timberent@suddenlink.net .
Soroptimists Celebrating Success Chair - Debbie Scaife - SI/Eel River Valley.
If you have any questions, contact Debbie at timberent@suddenlink.net .
Entries due to region chair on or before July 1 of each year!
2022-2023 Soroptimist Celebrating Success Entries
Below are the entries in the four pillars.
Fundraising Category
SI/The Delta
“Putting the FUN back in to Fundraising!”
This club held a wine-tasting and auction, utilizing several local wineries. Members worked as sommeliers and “misters” worked the bar. Raffles and an auction provided the means for fundraising which raised $10,251 for their scholarship program.
This club held a wine-tasting and auction, utilizing several local wineries. Members worked as sommeliers and “misters” worked the bar. Raffles and an auction provided the means for fundraising which raised $10,251 for their scholarship program.
SI/Eureka
“Murder in the Redwoods.” The scene was a 1920’s night club with a lounge and antique chairs for seating. Members dressed appropriately! Guests arrived and mingled. When the music stopped, the actors who were mingling with the guests, did skits as participants began to consider who might be the murderer. Eventually after a loud scream, a victim lay on the floor. The participant who guessed the murderer won $200 cash. Program netted $11,500.
SI/Honolulu
L.O.V.E (Living Our Vision Everyday.)” A silent auction, ticket drawing, table/seat ticket sales, and monetary donations formed the basis for this annual fundraising program. A total of 185 people attended the gala at a five-star resort in Waikiki, enjoying company and good food. Net profit: $31, 848.
A silent auction, ticket drawing, table/seat ticket sales, and monetary donations formed the basis for this annual fundraising program. A total of 185 people attended the gala at a five-star resort in Waikiki, enjoying company and good food. Net profit: $31, 848.
A silent auction, ticket drawing, table/seat ticket sales, and monetary donations formed the basis for this annual fundraising program. A total of 185 people attended the gala at a five-star resort in Waikiki, enjoying company and good food. Net profit: $31, 848.
SI/Humboldt Bay
“Fundraising to Fundraise.”
A partnership with a local artisan facilitated this club’s fundraiser. The club promoted the event in which the artisan donated 10% of a certain day’s earnings to the club for their LYD award and other scholarships. Net profit: $450.
A partnership with a local artisan facilitated this club’s fundraiser. The club promoted the event in which the artisan donated 10% of a certain day’s earnings to the club for their LYD award and other scholarships. Net profit: $450.
SI/Menodcino-Sonoma Coast
“36th Annual Soroptimist Architectural Tour & Wine Tasting 2023.”
This self-guided tour, which runs all day, covered 10+ miles and featured 7 homes. At 3pm, participants gathered at the local Art Center for wine tasting and auction.
This self-guided tour, which runs all day, covered 10+ miles and featured 7 homes. At 3pm, participants gathered at the local Art Center for wine tasting and auction.
SI/Rio Vista
“Meat/Freezer and Barbeque Raffle.”
This club offered three successful fundraisers. LUNAFEST is a showing of films made by women about women, which includes a raffle and no-host bar. Meat and Freezer drawing offered a 7 cubic foot freezer FULL of meat! And lastly, a BINGO night with cash prizes, baked potato and salad bar, and door prizes.
This club offered three successful fundraisers. LUNAFEST is a showing of films made by women about women, which includes a raffle and no-host bar. Meat and Freezer drawing offered a 7 cubic foot freezer FULL of meat! And lastly, a BINGO night with cash prizes, baked potato and salad bar, and door prizes.
SI/Vacaville
“Rocktoberfest.”
This club held a beer and wine festival, including apple strudel and pretzels! Local musicians entertained, as participants bid on live, silent and dessert auctions, including local art, vacation stays and much more. A “beer garden” was the décor with Soroptimist-themed steins available. A Live Your Dream recipient spoke about how the Soroptimist support helped her. Net profit: $31,486.
This club held a beer and wine festival, including apple strudel and pretzels! Local musicians entertained, as participants bid on live, silent and dessert auctions, including local art, vacation stays and much more. A “beer garden” was the décor with Soroptimist-themed steins available. A Live Your Dream recipient spoke about how the Soroptimist support helped her. Net profit: $31,486.
SI/Vallejo
“A Night Under the Stars in Vallejo – Where Dreams Come True.”
This club held a gala event with special décor, wines, catered dinner and live auctions. Between friends, members, and sponsors they raised enough to have a Net Profit of $107,000!
This club held a gala event with special décor, wines, catered dinner and live auctions. Between friends, members, and sponsors they raised enough to have a Net Profit of $107,000!
Membership Category
SI/Honolulu
“Membership Social/Drive.”
A member’s pool deck was the setting for a social whose goal was to engage and network with their club and to entertain potential members. Food, beverages and door prizes were an added benefit to the beautiful surroundings and weather. Info on what Soroptimist is and what it does, including the DIBI program, was an important part of the event. Their efforts yielded two new members.
A member’s pool deck was the setting for a social whose goal was to engage and network with their club and to entertain potential members. Food, beverages and door prizes were an added benefit to the beautiful surroundings and weather. Info on what Soroptimist is and what it does, including the DIBI program, was an important part of the event. Their efforts yielded two new members.
SI/Humboldt Bay
“Our Plan for Increasing and Retaining Members.”
This plan includes having two mixers per year: one during the winter holidays which includes a sock exchange, and, one in the spring. Food, drink, and items for auction are donated by members. The goal is not only recruitment, but a time for members to have some fun and mingle.
This plan includes having two mixers per year: one during the winter holidays which includes a sock exchange, and, one in the spring. Food, drink, and items for auction are donated by members. The goal is not only recruitment, but a time for members to have some fun and mingle.
SI/Napa
“Bocce and Bubbles”
A first-time event for this club, it was quite successful in attracting six new members! Participants painted their own drinking vessels as an icebreaker, listened to the President explain why they should become members, drank bubbly and ate desserts, and of course, played Bocce! There was plenty of time for members and guests to mingle, making sure all potential members had their questions answered.
A first-time event for this club, it was quite successful in attracting six new members! Participants painted their own drinking vessels as an icebreaker, listened to the President explain why they should become members, drank bubbly and ate desserts, and of course, played Bocce! There was plenty of time for members and guests to mingle, making sure all potential members had their questions answered.
SI/Rio Vista
“High Tea/Chocolate & Wine Tasting/Soup’er Fundraiser”
This club holds multiple Meet and Greet activities each year. A chocolate expert taught potential members about chocolate as they sipped wine at one of the mixers. Homemade soup was served at one of the member’s homes where guests were invited. Two new members resulted! A Bingo event yielded three interested women, a booth at a local event handed out Soroptimist info and their annual Lunafest fundraiser also yielded a potential member.
This club holds multiple Meet and Greet activities each year. A chocolate expert taught potential members about chocolate as they sipped wine at one of the mixers. Homemade soup was served at one of the member’s homes where guests were invited. Two new members resulted! A Bingo event yielded three interested women, a booth at a local event handed out Soroptimist info and their annual Lunafest fundraiser also yielded a potential member.
SI/Vacaville
“Associates Day”
An annual event, this luncheon is held to introduce potential members to Soroptimist as well as to energize current members. Members sat with their guests in order to discuss the values of the club. Written information was plentiful at the tables. This year a local speaker who is an award-winning author spoke to the group. In the four months since the event, the club has gotten seven new members.
An annual event, this luncheon is held to introduce potential members to Soroptimist as well as to energize current members. Members sat with their guests in order to discuss the values of the club. Written information was plentiful at the tables. This year a local speaker who is an award-winning author spoke to the group. In the four months since the event, the club has gotten seven new members.
Program Category
SI/Crescent City
“Sex Trafficking Awareness Training”
An ongoing program for this club has led them to become well recognized in the community for their work in bringing awareness to sex trafficking. An all-day training was held for law enforcement, community service organizations, and city council members and others who showed an interest, regarding being aware of the signs of trafficking in areas such as homeless camps, schools, stores, hotels, motels, and simply walking down the street.
An ongoing program for this club has led them to become well recognized in the community for their work in bringing awareness to sex trafficking. An all-day training was held for law enforcement, community service organizations, and city council members and others who showed an interest, regarding being aware of the signs of trafficking in areas such as homeless camps, schools, stores, hotels, motels, and simply walking down the street.
SI/The Delta
“Delta Dreamers”
After a successful fundraiser, this club used the additional funds to create another award that would be part of the Big Goal Accelerator program. These women must meet many of the same criteria for the LYD award, but may not meet enough to qualify for that award. The club was able to give five awards of $500 each to five deserving women.
After a successful fundraiser, this club used the additional funds to create another award that would be part of the Big Goal Accelerator program. These women must meet many of the same criteria for the LYD award, but may not meet enough to qualify for that award. The club was able to give five awards of $500 each to five deserving women.
SI/The Delta
“Compassion Bag Project”
Bags provided by a local church were filled with feminine products, shampoo, hair conditioner, toothpaste and brushes, combs, body lotions and deodorant for distribution to homeless women in their county. This was done on March 8 in honor of International Women’s Day. Also included were 375 pair of socks donated by club members and others.
Bags provided by a local church were filled with feminine products, shampoo, hair conditioner, toothpaste and brushes, combs, body lotions and deodorant for distribution to homeless women in their county. This was done on March 8 in honor of International Women’s Day. Also included were 375 pair of socks donated by club members and others.
SI/Honolulu
“School Supply Drive for the Institute of Human Services”
There are over 23,000 children living in substandard housing and/or are homeless in Hawaii. The Institute of Human Services helped construct housing for this need, currently housing over 100 families. This club helped 43 of these young girls with the supplies they needed to attend school. In addition, this action helped the club acquire new community partners who now support their efforts and are now aware of the Soroptimist mission.
There are over 23,000 children living in substandard housing and/or are homeless in Hawaii. The Institute of Human Services helped construct housing for this need, currently housing over 100 families. This club helped 43 of these young girls with the supplies they needed to attend school. In addition, this action helped the club acquire new community partners who now support their efforts and are now aware of the Soroptimist mission.
SI/Humboldt Bay
“Women Helping Women”
For many years this club has worked closely with a faith-based 12-month program which offers counseling, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts through a work-therapy program. One of the main sources of income for the ladies in this program is cleaning bus stops. They were in great need of reliable transportation as their truck failed them many times. Working with local businesses and adding their own funds, this club purchased a truck to enable a safer and more reliable means to do their work.
For many years this club has worked closely with a faith-based 12-month program which offers counseling, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts through a work-therapy program. One of the main sources of income for the ladies in this program is cleaning bus stops. They were in great need of reliable transportation as their truck failed them many times. Working with local businesses and adding their own funds, this club purchased a truck to enable a safer and more reliable means to do their work.
SI/Rio Vista
“Dream It, Be It, Scholarships, S Clubs”
The Education Committee of this club had a busy year. It sponsored a DIBI program that reached 30 girls including 5 who won laptops. In addition, it gave out each of 5 students $3000 scholarships awarded at an Awards Night. A popular S Club started out with 60 girls, but ended with 35, which was beyond expectation. It did many service projects and have already elected officers for next year.
The Education Committee of this club had a busy year. It sponsored a DIBI program that reached 30 girls including 5 who won laptops. In addition, it gave out each of 5 students $3000 scholarships awarded at an Awards Night. A popular S Club started out with 60 girls, but ended with 35, which was beyond expectation. It did many service projects and have already elected officers for next year.
SI/Santa Rosa
“Aiding Redemption House of the Bay Area”
Providing support for this house, which aids trafficked women and girls who have been forced into sex or labor, is an ongoing program for this club. Members fundraise and support the house by purchasing items for the outreach program, paying for dinners for participants during monthly counseling sessions, and providing turkeys and all the fixings for a Thanksgiving dinner, serving over 60 people last year. This house was founded by a previous LYD award winner.
Providing support for this house, which aids trafficked women and girls who have been forced into sex or labor, is an ongoing program for this club. Members fundraise and support the house by purchasing items for the outreach program, paying for dinners for participants during monthly counseling sessions, and providing turkeys and all the fixings for a Thanksgiving dinner, serving over 60 people last year. This house was founded by a previous LYD award winner.
SI/Vallejo
“Scholarship and LYD Award Recipients Mentoring Program”
Developing a database of the last few years’ award recipients has allowed this club the ability to follow-up with them. Committee members reach out to the recipients monthly to see how they are doing, check if they need anything the member could help with, and provide additional resources they may need. The club plans for this mentoring program to be an ongoing part of their awards program.
Developing a database of the last few years’ award recipients has allowed this club the ability to follow-up with them. Committee members reach out to the recipients monthly to see how they are doing, check if they need anything the member could help with, and provide additional resources they may need. The club plans for this mentoring program to be an ongoing part of their awards program.
Public Awareness Category
SI/Central Oahu
“Inspire You and Me”
TV Show Interviews. Using a TV host as a judge for several of their awards, this club was invited to do a TV interview on this host’s show. They were able to spread the word about Soroptimist and its mission. Impressed by the new information, the host invited two LYD recipients to be interviewed, also. They spoke of the obstacles they had overcome and how Soroptimist had helped them.
TV Show Interviews. Using a TV host as a judge for several of their awards, this club was invited to do a TV interview on this host’s show. They were able to spread the word about Soroptimist and its mission. Impressed by the new information, the host invited two LYD recipients to be interviewed, also. They spoke of the obstacles they had overcome and how Soroptimist had helped them.
SI/The Delta
“Giving Back to Brentwood”
Six programs were the highlight of this club’s public awareness campaign. They participated in a clean-up day along with Rotarians and Lions Club members. They contributed gift baskets to another local women’s organization. Training on how to stop bleeding was made available to women. The local food bank benefitted from their help in packing food bags. The holidays brought their help with Adopt-a-Senior and Decorate a Tree programs. And, they worked at the local Resource Fair.
Six programs were the highlight of this club’s public awareness campaign. They participated in a clean-up day along with Rotarians and Lions Club members. They contributed gift baskets to another local women’s organization. Training on how to stop bleeding was made available to women. The local food bank benefitted from their help in packing food bags. The holidays brought their help with Adopt-a-Senior and Decorate a Tree programs. And, they worked at the local Resource Fair.
SI/Eureka
“Humboldt Against Sexual Exploitation” conference.
Starting the planning process and holding a fundraising event, this club joined with others in the area to put on this conference. Speakers included those from the Rape Crisis Team, previous LYD and Ruby award recipients, previously trafficked persons, and a native American speaker discussing the link between trafficking and MMIPs. Over 80 people attended. It was well publicized and met a great knowledge deficit in the community.
Starting the planning process and holding a fundraising event, this club joined with others in the area to put on this conference. Speakers included those from the Rape Crisis Team, previous LYD and Ruby award recipients, previously trafficked persons, and a native American speaker discussing the link between trafficking and MMIPs. Over 80 people attended. It was well publicized and met a great knowledge deficit in the community.
SI/Honolulu
“Na Kuikawa Makana 2023 SI Oahu Joint Awards Reception”
The four Oahu clubs joined to have their annual Awards Reception. Altogether they awarded $46,450 to 14 LYD, 6 VRA, and 2 Ruby recipients. Four new members were gained through this event and there was lots of media coverage, including being on local news on three separate occasions and in the local newspaper.
The four Oahu clubs joined to have their annual Awards Reception. Altogether they awarded $46,450 to 14 LYD, 6 VRA, and 2 Ruby recipients. Four new members were gained through this event and there was lots of media coverage, including being on local news on three separate occasions and in the local newspaper.
SI/Humboldt BAy
“There’s Gnomeone Like You” Discovering that many care home residents do not get gifts during the holidays, these club members made gifts of Mint Leg and Foot lotion wrapped in a pair of socks with a Gnome’s face on the front for each of over 350 local care home residents! When one lotion was purchased/donated, certain club members matched that gift, thus allowing two gifts to be given with each purchase.
SI/Mendocino-Sonoma Coast
“Book: Making History, Soroptimists Celebrating a
45 year Journey”
This club recently published this book, which chronicles the history of their clubs and the impact they have made on their small rural communities. It discusses the various ways they have made a difference through the years including their awards, their projects, and their community involvement.
45 year Journey”
This club recently published this book, which chronicles the history of their clubs and the impact they have made on their small rural communities. It discusses the various ways they have made a difference through the years including their awards, their projects, and their community involvement.
SI/Rio Vista
“Three Pronged Publicity”
The three prongs are Print Media, Social Media, and Website. This may sound simple, but all three prongs require much member’s time and effort to continuously promote the club, its activities, and its mission. Constant attention is required to keep websites and social media updated. These efforts have also added 8 new members to their club this year.
The three prongs are Print Media, Social Media, and Website. This may sound simple, but all three prongs require much member’s time and effort to continuously promote the club, its activities, and its mission. Constant attention is required to keep websites and social media updated. These efforts have also added 8 new members to their club this year.
SI/Vacaville
“Honoring the Success of Women in Traditionally Male-Dominated Field of Aviation” Partnering with the local museum who was having an exhibit on aviation, this club leveraged the exhibit to celebrate women in aviation, as it coincided with International Women’s Day. It advertised for nominations of women who were in the aviation field, which generated a lot of media notice. They held a reception at the museum, with club members sitting with the women nominees, to emphasize Soroptimist mission. Each was presented with a certificate and a pin designed by a club member. Some honorees spoke about their stories, their passions and their dreams. A front page article in the local newspaper and follow-up articles on Facebook helped keep this program in the community members’ minds.
SI/Willits
“Willits is Celebrating”
Joining community service with advertising, these club members assisted others with community events, including fall photos with straw bales and autumn colors. Spring brought the Photos with Bunny, a popular event the club has done for years, featuring live bunnies as photo partners. The local Rotary Club invited them to host a table at their Golf Tournament. Social media and local newspaper coverage helped promote their club.
Joining community service with advertising, these club members assisted others with community events, including fall photos with straw bales and autumn colors. Spring brought the Photos with Bunny, a popular event the club has done for years, featuring live bunnies as photo partners. The local Rotary Club invited them to host a table at their Golf Tournament. Social media and local newspaper coverage helped promote their club.