Clear Lake Soroptimist Club, helping women, girls

LAKEPORT >> With news of the corona virus pandemic Soroptimist International of Clear Lake cancelled their main fundraiser for the year, the Spring Fling. A time-honored tradition, the annual event raised funds to support programs to benefit Lake County women, girls and families.

“It was a sad turn of events,” said club president, Tina Scott. “We needed the proceeds for our annual Live Your Dreams awards program and needed a new way forward. Thanks to the creativity and determination of our members, we’re getting ready to launch a different type of fundraiser — a wine raffle — just in time for the holidays.”

The Club also continued two other important projects, Totes 4 Teens and Sponsoring Survivorship. Recently members joined to make blankets that will go into tote bags for Lake County teens. Despite a tight budget, the club also made their annual $500 contribution to support local breast cancer awareness.

“Now it’s time to kick off our featured — and my favorite — program, Live Your Dream,” Scott said.

This unique program awards education grants to women who are the primary financial support for their families — women who have a dream to pursue a better life. The grants are used to improve their education, skills and employment prospects. The number and amount of the grants depends on the amount of money raised. Last year the total awarded was $5,300.

“Past award recipients have overcome obstacles most of us can’t imagine,” said Kathy Freeborn, past project coordinator and longtime club member. “Escaping poverty, abusive relationships and beating drug addictions, are just a few of the hardships faced. It is heart breaking to hear the tragedies these women have endured and equally heartwarming to know we are making a difference in their lives and the lives of their children. I always wish we could do more — the need in Lake County is so great,” she said.

“Especially in these particularly challenging economic times, the sentiments expressed by Freeborn resonate with all club members,” added Scott.

Fawn Williams, the organizer of this year’s fundraising event, said, “We’re asking those that can to join us in support of deserving women by purchasing raffle tickets, $25 each or 5 for $100. On December 15 we will draw four prizes — from 30 to 5 bottles of amazing Lake County wines.”

To purchase tickets using a credit card, call 707-3505866 or mail your checks to SICL, 3050 robin Lane, Clearlake, CA 95422.

To help get the word out to Lake County women who may benefit from a Live Your Dream cash award, check out the Clubs Facebook page, SICLEARLAKE or contact Tina Scott at 707849- 4414.