News Release – Soroptimist International of the Tri Cities Donates $25,000 to Women & Community Organizations

10^th Annual Women’s Fundraiser a Success – an additional $14,000 to go back to the community

Coquitlam, BC, Canada – March 9, 2010 – Soroptimist International of the TriCities was pleased to give away over $25,000 at Sunday’s 10^th Annual Women’s Recognition Awards Luncheon.  Over 170 people attended to honour three worthy TriCities women, two for overcoming great personal adversity and returning to school to further their education and improve the quality of life for their family, one for outstanding service in the community, and two very impressive teens who excel in volunteerism.

With Karen Daniels of JRfm radio as the emcee, the audience was greeted by Soroptimist International of the Tri Cities President, Chari Grant and Homes for Good Chairperson and Mayor of Port Coquitlam, Greg Moore.  After the awards, Sharon Fisher (President – Elect of Soroptimist International of the Americas), presented “Project Sierra” – groundbreaking work that Soroptimist and Hope and Homes for Children are doing in Sierra Leone.

SI TriCities President Chari Grant, Women's Opportunity Award Winner Karen Johnson, and SI TriCities VP Darlene McCann

There were a number of other local notables in attendance including the MLA for Coquitlam – Burke Mountain, Douglas Horne; Coquitlam Mayor, Richard Stewart with Councillors Linda Reimer and Selina Robinson; Mayor Greg Moore from Port Coquitlam with Councillors Mike Forrest and Sherry Carroll.  The City of Port Moody was represented by Councillor Diana Dilworth.

Port Coquitlam Mayor, Greg Moore was impressed with the Soroptimists. “This is one of my favorite events.  It’s inspiring to not only hear about these amazing women, but also to acknowledge the Soroptimists.  Leadership needs to come from all sectors in the community – government, business, individuals and community groups.  This Soroptimist group has been doing great work in the TriCities for 11 years, and it’s great to see this club grow and help others.”

A variety of club fundraisers has enabled Soroptimist International of the TriCities to sponsor this event, the awards programs, and grants to community organizations.  “Funds from the 125 silent auction prizes, the TV raffle and balloon sales go directly back into the TriCities communities,” said club president, Chari Grant.  “We thank all who support this event, whether by attending or by so generously donating fabulous prizes and funds. We’re finalizing our numbers now, and it looks like close to $14,000 will be going back into the TriCities to help those in need.”

Sponsors
Soroptimist International of the TriCities thanks the many sponsors who made the event possible:

• Diamond Sponsors – CPAC & ScotiaBank (Shaughnessy Station)
• Platinum Sponsor – Mandala Counselling
• Gold Sponsors – MacDonald Realty (Pat Simpson)  and ReMax Realty (Marg Berner)
• Silver Sponsors –  Ascenta Health, Pearcy & Company, Penny Kearney/Pampered Chef and Marion Annand from Sutton Realty.

Award Winners
The Women’s Opportunity Award gives women the chance to make a better life for themselves and their families through increased access to higher education.  The first place award of $2000 was given to Karen Johnston, an aboriginal woman who has overcome the impacts of domestic violence, alcoholism and poverty in both her own early life and while trying to raise her five children. Karen’s goal is to become a Native Justice Program Worker.  The second place award of $1,000 was given to another deserving woman  – Renee Mellody, who is close to achieving her goal of becoming a psychiatric nurse.

The Ruby Award honors women who work to improve the lives of women and girls through their personal volunteer or professional efforts.  This year’s winner is Denise Kennedy of Glory House, Hope for Freedom Society. Glory House is a long term recovery house and  Denise has helped hundreds of women in their quest for sobriety.  She received $250 and Glory House received $500.

Named for the first president of the first Soroptimist club in 1921, the Violet Richardson Award recognizes girls 14-17 whose volunteer efforts help to make the community and world a better place.

First place this year went to Ferron Shea, a Port Moody student who has raised over $63,000 to open the “Live the Dream” School in Kenya.  Ferron received $500 for her schooling and $500 for the Live the Dream school.  The second prize of $250 went to another amazing teen, Ronnie Tsai, whose active community involvement, especially in anti-bullying projects is matched by her excellent scholarship and accomplishments in music and sports.  A matching $250 will go to support the BC Children’s Hospital –Tournament for Emily.

Direct Access Grants
Soroptimist International of the TriCities, in partnership with BC Gaming, was pleased to present Direct Access Grants to four deserving organizations:

• Glory House, Hope for Freedom Society – $8,000
• Pacific Post Partum Support Society – $6,000
• Warm Place for Women, Soroptimist International of the TriCities – $4,000
• Prostitution Alternatives Counselling & Education – $2,000

About Soroptimist
Soroptimist International is a worldwide organization for women in management and the professions, working through service projects to improve the lives of women and girls in our communities and throughout the world.  Almost 100,000 Soroptimists in 120 countries and territories contribute time and financial support to community-based projects.  The TriCities club has been involved with numerous community projects and agencies, and encourages female leaders to join the club.  For more information, please visit the new club website:   http://soroptimisttricities.org/

Contact
Linda Jellicoe
Soroptimist International of the TriCities
Publicity Chair
604-941-5518
alimar1@shaw.ca

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