SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL of CALAVERAS COUNTY “NIGHT OF GIVING” GIVES BACK to CALAVERAS

Soroptomists Donate $20,700 to Six Calaveras Non-Profit Agencies

There was barely a dry eye in the house as six Calaveras non-profit agencies received a total of $20,700 during the Night of Giving on May 25 at Greenhorn Creek in Angels Camp, CA, presented and donated by Soroptimist International of Calaveras County.

Identified from left to right: Peggy Cunningham, Terry Hawkins and Shawnna George from ARC; (behind Terry Hawkins) Kathryn Eustis from Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program; Ray Beaudreau and David Farrow from the Calaveras County Transition Program; Elizabeth Thompson from Common Ground Senior Services; Meals on Wheels program; Billie Westernoff from HRC Calaveras Food Bank; Laure Roessler, and Lindsey Smith from High School Challenge Day; Joyce Swinghammer, (standing between Laure and Lindsey) and kneeling Marti Crane and Taylor Mossa from the Valley Springs Youth Center.

Funds from the grants came directly from the Festival of Trees, SICC's annual major fundraiser held at Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys each November. Grant amounts were kept secret until the actual check presentation, after each agency spoke about their programs that contribute so much to the people of Calaveras County.

The Night of Giving began with refreshments and opening remarks by President Karen Varni. “It was a heartwarming and emotional evening, and we are so grateful to our community for supporting the Festival of Trees each year,” said Karen Varni, SICC President. “SICC is thrilled to be able to return these funds to the community through non-profit agencies and organizations within Calaveras County.”

Ruth Mercer gave a presentation on the SICC Touching Lives Program, which benefits local citizens who have medically-related expenses not covered by other means, and one of the many local projects funded by Festival of Trees proceeds.

Kathryn Eustis, Executive Director of the Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program gave thanks to the Soroptimists for the $3,000 grant, which was presented in March. The Mentoring Program recruits adult mentors for local young people, providing one-on-one support to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

Read more about our Night of Giving:

• Common Ground Senior Services: Meals on Wheels Program, $8500
• HRC Calaveras County Food Bank Program, $4000
• Valley Springs Youth Center, $3500
• High School Challenge Day Program, $2700
• The ARC Computer Lab Training Program, $1000
• Transitional Living Center, $1000

Funds from Festival of Trees 2003, also awarded earlier this year, included college scholarships and grants for head of household women desiring to improve their job skills through continuing education

The Festival of Trees Committee is currently planning this year’s fundraiser November 20 and 21, and is seeking silent auction and raffle donations, and sponsorships including tree, decoration, wreath, cash and in-kind sponsors for their Gala and Auction and Teddy Bear Tea.

For more information on Festival of Trees or contact SICC at (209) 736-1947.