Soroptimists kick off year with planning retreat

Soroptimist International of Ramona (SIR) members kicked off their 2009-10 year with a Planning Retreat in August, and their first meeting in September saw the addition of three new members.

Soroptimist is a service club dedicated to helping women and girls better their lives with fundraisers committed to financial awards, service projects on the local and international levels, and public awareness projects keeping the community informed of undue hardships women and girls face on a daily basis such as the Human Trafficking campaign launched last year. This campaign will continue through the club’s year.

The first fundraiser of the year is a popular Bunko Night started by the club last year and annually held in September and again after the holiday season. Friday, Sept. 25, will find Soroptimists hosting Bunko Night at the Ramona Woman’s Club at 524 Main St.

Tickets are being sold for Bunko Night. There will be snacks, selected vendors and door prizes. For more information, call Becky Strahm at 760-443-0237.

Each year the club sponsors scholarship programs and awards to women on different levels of achievement.

The Violet Richardson Award is given to a teenaged girl between the ages of 14 and 17 who has excelled in community service.

The Women’s Opportunity Award is given to a woman who is head of household and has excelled in bettering her life and those around her.

The Ruby Award is given to an outstanding woman who has made a difference in the lives of other women and girls.

For more information on how you may recommend an outstanding woman or girl for any of these awards, call SIR President Sally Westbrook at 760-525-4888.

Soroptimist meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. Beginning in November, the new meeting location will be the San Vicente Inn in San Diego Country Estates.

“We are always welcoming new volunteers and members,” said Westbrook. “Get on board with a club that is not only rewarding but a great deal of enjoyment in bettering the lives of women and girls.” The annual membership drive is Sunday, Sept. 20, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Oak Tree Ranch Clubhouse. “Guilt Free Desserts” will be served. Yummy.

For more information, call Cindy Price at 760-788-6944.