According to Knox Pages, Soroptimist International of Mount Vernon and Knox County looked forward at its October meeting to its upcoming 70th anniversary. The club was founded Nov. 3, 1956, by 23 business and professional women. At the meeting, President Loretta Reynolds and members recognized Charter President Helen Zelkowitz and Charter Member Margie Bair.
The service club reports having given about $350,000 to local women and girls over seven decades. Its fundraising history includes the Wintermute Antique Show and 25 years of style shows; since the COVID-19 pandemic, a half-a-hog raffle has been the main effort. A first Wendy’s Night on Main Street, led by Vice President Courtney Reynolds, was held Oct. 10, with the club receiving 10% of sales. Member Rhonda Gherman thanked owner Joe Curran and manager Don, according to the report.
The club works with New Directions Domestic Shelter and presents Live Your Dream Awards during the EmpowHER International Women’s Day event. Applications for the Live Your Dream: Education and Training Award for Women are due Nov. 15. The top local award is $2,000, with possible region and federation awards of $5,000 and $10,000; the maximum potential total is $16,000. In the prior year, according to the report, Soroptimist distributed more than $3.6 million to over 2,500 women worldwide.
Giving Hope Charity, a partnership that includes a Reindeer Bus shopping event, is scheduled for Dec. 12 and chaired by Donna Hochstetler. The club meets for dinner on the second Tuesday of each month at Donatos Pizza.