On January 9, 2014, seven members of Soroptimist of Tahoe Sierra and Soroptimist of South Lake Tahoe along with six non-Soroptimist members met to choose our award winners for 2014 in two categories. The recipients will receive a monetary award and be presented at our Awards Dinner on March 6, 2014 at Harrah’s to honor them.
Six young women between the ages of 14 and 17 were chosen as our Violet Richardson winners. This award honors young women who demonstrate leadership by identifying an issue that is important to them, their communities and the world and addressing it through their volunteer efforts. We were so proud of their varied interest and passions:
- Coaching a middle school volleyball team that otherwise would not have a team
- Bringing music to young people after school since the music budget had been cut
- Developing Pain-guins that help ease young children suffering from nerve pain
- Help young girls involved in sex trafficking
- Volunteering with very young children to our forgotten senior citizens
Two women were chosen to receive our Women’s Opportunity Award. Both are from single parent households who are trying to better the lives of their family by continuing their education. Both of these women work full time outside the home, plus go to school, while taking care of their children. They have financial struggles every day, in addition to finding time to study. We had so many deserving candidates; it was very hard to pick just two.
It was a great night with lots of lively discussion, and we all came away feeling very proud of the women in S. Lake Tahoe trying to reach their goals and better their lives.