LAKE COUNTY – Soroptimist International of Clear Lake, an international volunteer organization for business and professional women, is seeking applicants for its recognition program targeted at young women who make the community and the world a better place.

The Violet Richardson Award honors young women, between the ages of 14 and 17, for volunteer action such as fighting drugs, crime and violence; cleaning up the environment; and working to end discrimination and poverty.

“As a volunteer service organization for business and professional women, Soroptimist believes that by acknowledging young women's volunteer involvement now, they will grow up to be vital, active members of the community,” said Brenda Crandall, member of the Clear Lake club.

The Violet Richardson program begins at the local Soroptimist club level, where the type of award varies. Soroptimist International of Clear Lake presents a $500 award to winners.

Club-level winners then become eligible for one of 28 $1,000 awards. In addition, at this level, $1,000 will be contributed in honor of the winners to their volunteer organizations. One finalist will be chosen from among the 28 winners for the additional award, including a contribution of $2,500 to the finalist's volunteer organization.

Applications for the award program are available at the Clearlake Police Department, 14050 Olympic Drive in Clearlake, or by contacting Brenda Crandall at 994-8251, extension 312. Applications must be returned to Soroptimist International of Clear Lake by Dec. 1.

The award program is named after Violet Richardson, the president of the first Soroptimist club in 1921. Richardson believed in personal responsibility and the motto, “It's what you do that counts.”

She lived her life accordingly, as an active member in her community who was committed to creating opportunities for girls and young women.

Soroptimist established this award to honor the memory of this unique woman and her dedication to volunteer action.

Founded in 1964, Soroptimist International of Clear Lake is part of Soroptimist International of the Americas. Its mission is to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world.

Clear Lake members join with almost 95,000 Soroptimists in about 120 countries and territories worldwide to contribute time and financial support to community-based projects benefiting women.

In addition, the club participates in Soroptimist International of the Americas' major service project, the Women's Opportunity Awards program – cash grants for women seeking to improve their economic situation through additional training and/or education.

For more information about how Soroptimist International of Clear Lake improves the lives of women and girls, call Brenda Crandall, 994-8251, extension 312.

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