Document text
- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Archives Revels Classifieds Real Estate Local Scene Wedding Weather Subscribe Contact Us February 22, 2006 Soroptimists: 60 years of service Ashland branch marks milestone with philanthropic events By Ryan Pfeil Tidings Correspondent “Soroptimist” is a Latin phrase that loosely translates to “best for women.” Since 1921, the Soroptimist Federation’s goal has been to make better lives for women, by offering educational, community and personal services for its members. Spread out over 120 countries, the international organization is home to more than 100,000 members. The Ashland Soroptimists gather for the groundbreaking of Garden Way Park in December 1956. The organization sponsored the plans for development of the park, which began when the two-acre lot was donated to the city. Submitted photos On June 12, the 50-member Ashland chapter will celebrate its 60th anniversary, and will take part in several community events from now until then. Sara Brown, second vice president of the organization, first began her role when she moved to Ashland in 2001. “I thought it would be a good way to meet like-minded women,” Brown said. “I thought it would be a good way to meet [them] and assist with community service projects.” Three upcoming service projects are set for the year of 2006. First is the March 3 Empty Bowls pottery sale, where all fundraiser proceeds will go directly to local food banks. Last year’s sale brought in $3,500. March 4 brings a statewide mother and baby shower, where the organization will provide baby items for mothers in need. The March 22 Making a Difference for Women reception will recognize local soroptimist advocates. In addition to these upcoming service projects, the organization also offers awards and scholarships for athletics, academics, single mothers attending college, and community service. A May 24 awards luncheon will recognize local winners. Soroptimists also continually sponsor local charities. The Dunn House, a local shelter that houses domestic abuse victims, is on this list of charities. They prepare rape kits for those who come seeking their help. “It’s important to increase people’s awareness and support women who are victims of domestic violence,” Brown said. “There’s a lot of need.” The federation also assists with highway cleanups, gives grants to elementary schools and works the pillow and blanket booth at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Brown spends a lot of time booking speakers for the group’s weekly meetings Wednesday meetings at noon in the Elks Lodge in Ashland. She also hopes to make the organization better known. “A lot of people aren’t aware of us; I wanted to help get the word out,” Brown said. “We do a lot of projects, but we haven’t touted them enough.” She is pushing especially hard for more cancer awareness fundraisers and events in the future. The Soroptimists sponsor local three- and six-mile walks that will raise money for cancer research, but Brown is hoping to do more. This notion grew even stronger when she found out her daughter had breast cancer. “It’s made me aware of the need for research and education,” Brown said. The 60th anniversary celebration on June 12 will be held at the Ashland Springs Hotel. For more information on the Soroptimists, contact Sara Brown at 482-5561, or [email protected], or visit www.soroptimist.org. DailyTidings.com Home Page Archives | Revels | Classifieds | Real Estate Guide | Weather | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2005 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Deep Muscle Stimulator Ceramic Piggy Banks FREE Entertainment Guide Women's & Men's Slippers Accelerate Weightloss Products Backpacks Merchant Account Vegas Travel Guide Search Engine Optimization Student Loans Hotel & Airline Reservations Hammocks Water Filter Helzberg Diamonds Online Casinos Community Bonus Casino Mortgage Calculator Security Systems Mailing Lists Click Here Advertisement .:Advertisements:. Site Search: RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams