2016 a Banner Year for Soroptimists International’s Community Partnerships and Fundraising
By Candy Richter
The Seascape Golf Club sparkled and shone as host venue for the Annual Fall Fantasy event for the Soroptimist International (SI) Watsonville Chapter, held Saturday, Oct. 10. Themed “Bangles, Bubbles and Beaux” this much anticipated gala is the signature fundraiser for the organization, generating most of the financial resources used to support a variety of community organizations and SI scholarship programs.
This year saw a marked increase in all donor vehicles – from table sponsors to corporate partnerships and individual contributions – including $6K in anonymous cash donations.
The evening’s revenue totals came in at just under $38K, a 20 percent increase over 2015 – generated through silent and live auctions, table sponsorships, and major donors. Community partners included Corralitos Market, Fatima Jewelers, Harrison’s Color Corner and Crazy Horse Golf Ranch, among others. And of course, no SI auction would be complete without Betty Rathers’ legendary lemon meringue pies – which set a new auction record, at $330 each.
Much of the event’s success is owed to the strong vendor relationships SI Watsonville has cultivated throughout its 88-year history. “Our partners are very responsive and supportive,” said assistant treasurer, Lisa Cottle. “The business community is familiar with the great programs we support and wants to partner with us.”
In keeping with the Soroptimists motto of “improving the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment,” monies raised through the organization fund one of the largest single scholarships at Watsonville High School, as well as a number of lesser awards for a total of $34K.
Additionally, the “Live Your Dream” program offers up to $7,500 in awards to local women returning to school to improve their career opportunities and the lives of their families. Other SI partner programs are The Pajaro Valley Shelter Service and CASA, which provides special court advocate services to foster children.
Launched in summer 2015, “Dream it, Be it” co-sponsored by Girls, Inc. is a weeklong camp program aimed at 13 – 15 year old girls. This mentoring session focuses on stress management, self-advocacy skills, career opportunities and goal setting, and nutrition and health guidance. Held in June, this new program served over 80 applicants, hailing from Los Banos to Santa Cruz.
“This program is a wonderful opportunity to introduce girls from a wide variety of backgrounds to educational and career opportunities they may not have considered or been exposed to,” said SI Watsonville president Katherine Foxworthy. “It’s their ‘ah-ha’ moment that really opens up a whole new world and way of thinking about themselves and their future.”
SI Watsonville is now accepting applications for the “Live Your Dream” awards. Eligible applicants are any women who provide the primary financial support for their families, and who plan a return to college or vocational training to better employment opportunities. For more information, email [email protected]
Interested in learning more about Soroptimist International Watsonville Chapter? New member mixers are held quarterly, and all are welcome to attend the twice monthly member social luncheons, held at Valley Heights in Watsonville. Please call Betty Rather at 831-722-2902 for a luncheon or quarterly mixer schedule. n
Soroptimists International Watsonville Chapter is a 501©3, all volunteer organization whose mission is to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Visit us on Facebook “Soroptimists International of Watsonville” or email [email protected]