News

The winners of our 2009 "Women of Distinction Awards" include Dr. Susan Mike, for education, Ellen Devine, for business, Summer Faerman and Cathy DeMatto for volunteers, and Wendy Tippett for non-profits.

A capacity crowd of 320 guests rose early to attend the 35th Annual Soroptimist "Women of Distinction Awards" breakfast, celbrated at the elegant Boca West County Club. Event Co-Chair, Marie Leible, introduced Father Michael Driscoll of St. Jude Parish, who gave the invocation. Soroptimist President and event Co-Chair, Kim Champion and Honorary Chairpaerson, Rosemary Krieger, welcomed everyone to the most successful "WOD" breakfast to date!

M/C, Emily Lilly, introduced thirty-one nominees, whose actions have made a difference in the health and welfare of women and girls in our community.

Boca Raton Mayor Susan Whelchel presented a Proclamation to Club President, Kim Champion, declaring October 14, 2009 as Soroptimist International Day in Boca Raton.

In addition, Philanthropist, Barbara Schmidt was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Paula Alderson, CEO of Hospice by the Sea won the Ruby Award for Making a Difference in the Lives of Women. Photographer and Publicist, Barbara McCormick was given an Honorary Membership Award. Sponsors were given an opportunity to speak.

Kudos were given to 12 8th grade students from St. Jude School. They assisted in personally handing out the raffle prizes to the winners in the audience.

Club President, Kim Champion, noted, "The Soroptimist Women of Distinction Awards" breakfast is out largest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds benefit our many, local program recipients, such as the "Violet Richardson Award" for girls and the "Women's Opportunity Award" for women.

For more club news, please visit our website, www.soroptimist4women.org