SI FC announces events and celebrates the joy of our Soroptimist successes on this blog. Welcome!

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Women's Awards Recipients Recognized


Soroptimist of Fort Collins proudly recognized 5 outstanding women at our annual Living Her Dream Awards night dinner on February 19.

Our club honored two young women who are working toward financial independence with educational and career goals. Both have overcome significant difficulties in their lives and have reached out by volunteering in their communities and are making a difference in others' lives as they work toward overcoming their own obstacles.


SIFC's first place winner of the Women's Opportunity Award (name withheld for privacy) was awarded $1,000She and her children are domestic violence survivors. She works full time, has an exemplary academic record, and is definitely deserving of support from the community.

Tammy was our second place winner, receiving $500. A stay-at-home mom, Tammy was left to fend for her family when her husband resorted to suicide. She balances family, work, and academics to improve her life and that of her children.


SIFC's Making a Difference for Women award was presented to Dr. Stace Fritler by members Judy Robinson (far left) and Carolyn Wade. Stace helped establish the much needed Medical Unit at Crossroads SafeHouse in Fort Collins which serves survivors of domestic violence. She has volunteered her time and expertise to medical missions in Vietnam coordinated by Children of Peace, International.

The Violet Richardson award recognizes teenage girls for outstanding contributions to thecommunity through volunteer work. This year's first place award of $500 was given to Kaitlin Beegle (below left) for the outstanding work she's done with the SAVA. A matching donation was also awarded to the SAVA.

The second place award of $200 was given to Patty Roberts (below right) for outstanding contributions to the community through Larimer County 4-H Clubs. A matching donation was also awarded to Larimer County 4-H Clubs.


Friday, February 8, 2013

Nonprofits Prepare for 20th Annual Used Book Sale--February 22-24


Same Great Sale--New Location

The American Association of University Women Fort Collins Branch and Soroptimist International of Fort Collins are anxious to have supporters know where to find their 20th annual Used Book Sale. This year’s sale will be held in a “new” location February 22-24 near the intersection of Lemay Avenue and Harmony Road in Fort Collins.  The sale will be open to the general public Friday, February 22: 8:00 am-8:00 pm; Saturday, February 23: 8:00 am–6:00 pm; Sunday, February 24: 11:00 am–5:00 pm at 1001 E Harmony Rd, Unit C, between Ace Hardware and Fiona’s Deli. Community donations for this year’s sale will be accepted through February 15. 
  
The AAUW/Soroptimist Used Book Sale has become a well known local event. “We depend on the generous donations of the community to make this event a reality,” said co-chair Mary Robinson.  Private donors throughout northern Colorado join Old Firehouse Books in donating gently used books throughout the year. “Our customers complement us on the quality of our sale, the quality of our sorting, and the abundant selection of gently used books we market.” Organizers estimate that they will sort nearly 40,000 books by sale date. All collected books are recycled through the sale, donations to needy, or environmentally friendly means.   

Soroptimist International of Fort Collins (SIFC) and the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Fort Collins Branch have successfully collaborated on an annual Used Book Sale since 1993. The collaboration has grown over the years, benefiting both AAUW, Soroptimist, and the community. In 1993 the two nonprofits split a little over $4000 after expenses―over $2000 per club earmarked for service projects. Last year (2012) AAUW and Soroptimist netted nearly $20,000 during the 3 day weekend, with proceeds going to scholarships and ongoing service projects. Throughout the year, community members donate good-quality, unwanted books to be recycled in the annual AAUW/Soroptimist Used Book Sale. Service funds are raised while keeping gently used books out of the landfill.

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is a national organization fostering societal change while promoting equity for women, education and self-development over the life span. www.fortnet.org/aauw. Soroptimist International is a worldwide service organization of business and professional women working to advance human rights and the status of women. www.fortnet.org/sifc



For information about the fundraiser, to volunteer, or to donate books—call Margaret at 482-8210, or Mary at 227-1398.