LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — A favorite long held tradition amongst Soroptimist members is making blankets to support teens in Lake County through the Totes 4 Teens project.
This year, Pauline Biron and members of her daughters 4-H group kicked off the blanket making.
Biron is one of the newest club members and owner of Lake County’s Edenberry Farm. She also serves as community leader of the Big Valley 4-H Club.
“When I joined our local Soroptimist club, I had in mind projects that would pair with other organizations that enrich the lives of our young people and help them reach their full potential – like the 4-Hers,” Biron said. “Our members had fun making blankets and learning about how the Totes 4 Teens program makes sure that teens in foster care receive holiday blessings.”
The blanket making continued at the regular monthly club meeting at the Ripe Choice farm where the group enjoyed another delicious meal prepared by Chef Tammy Lipps.
“We are multi-taskers,” said President Sally Munger.
In addition to making blankets, the club presented a donation to Sponsoring Survivorship and planned their holiday event.
The group presented a $500 donation to Julie Kelley, who, along with Shirley Crawford, founded Sponsoring Survivorship in 1996.
“We so appreciate our Soroptimist friends,” Kelley said. “They have been with us from the beginning – joining us on our annual walk/run event and donating to our cause.”
For years, the Soroptimists offered free mammograms, discontinuing the project after the Affordable Care Act passed.
“But breast cancer is present in many of us, and the American Cancer Society reminds us that it continues to be the most common cancer in women,” Munger said. “We have to keep supporting cancer survivors and efforts to find cures.”
Next up for the busy members is their annual holiday event.
“We invite everyone to join us this year for dinner, a holiday sing-along and some unobtrusive fundraising to help low-income head of household women achieve their educational and vocational goals,” Munger said.
Fawn Williams, the club’s treasurer, explained that through the annual Live Your Dream project, young women grow to become economically self-sustaining individuals and contributors to the community.
“Each year, we hear the heartbreaking stories of how the women who apply have overcome life challenges that bring our members to tears,” Williams said. “It is truly rewarding to watch their transformation and to know that our members support their educational journey toward economic empowerment.”
The holiday event is on Wednesday, Dec. 13, at the Ripe Choice in Lakeport.
To reserve a seat contact Munger at 707-485-2132. Also, to learn how to become a member or to donate to the club, contact Munger at this number and visit the club, Soroptimist International of Clearlake, on Facebook.
