The Soroptimists International of Lake Havasu City recently hosted its annual awards banquet at Shugrue’s Bridgeview Room, awarding $25,000 in grants ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.
The Soroptimists raised most of the money through the Inaugural Southwest Chowderfest and the Arizona Tax Credit for Qualifying Charitable Organizations.
The club recently celebrated its 50th anniversary of serving women and girls in Lake Havasu City through grants and scholarships.
President Stephanie Dopp welcomed the 70 attendees. Vanessa Liesen served as emcee while Koena Tapscott and Lisa Jennings presented the awards. Golden West Region Governor Laurie Moses represented Soroptimists International of the Americas.
Keynote speaker Kathi DeClark, president and board chairman of Faith and Grace Inc., spoke of her club’s work to aid women caught in the web of abuse. She defined domestic violence as “physical and emotional abuse between intimate partners.”
Faith and Grace is the only organization in Lake Havasu City that provides a shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. The club’s most significant needs are childcare and transportation for victims.
From left, Koena Tapscott, Hemangiben Patel and Lisa Jennings. Photo courtesy SI
These deserving women received grants:
Hemangiben Patel $1,000
BreAnna Stuart $1,000
Heather Maloney $2,000
Mariana Gonzalez $3,000
Rising Star Grants:
Audencia Espinoza $3,000
Abigail Soto $3,000
Melanie Vega $3,000
Faith and Grace Grants:
Six grants totaling $9,000
Grand Total $25,000
Soroptimists International is a global volunteer organization whose mission is to provide women and girls access to education and training needed to achieve economic empowerment. The name is derived from the Latin word Soro, “sister,” and Optima, “best,” translated, “Best for Women.”
From left, Koena Tapscott, BreAnna Stuart and Lisa Jennings. Photo courtesy of SI
From left, Koena Tapscott, Audencia Espinoza and Lisa Jennings. Photo courtesy of SI
From left, Koena Tapscott, Melanie Vega and Lisa Jennings. Photo courtesy of SI
From left, Koena Tapscott, Abigail Soto and Lisa Jennings. Photo courtesy of SI
From left, Koena Tapscott, Mariana Gonzales and Lisa Jennings. Photo courtesy of SI
Soroptimist President-elect Ann Holmgreen and Lisa Jennings Photo courtesy SI
Presenter Koena Tapscott speaks at the Soroptimist Awards Banquet Photo courtesy SI
Keynote Speaker Kathi DeClark, president of Faith and Grace receives a $250 check from Vanessa Liesen on behalf of Soroptimists. Photo courtesy SI
From left, Beverly Stephens, Vanessa Liesen, Shery Herington, Cristi Newport and Sally McClure Photo courtesy SI
From left, Laurie Moses and Vanessa Liesen at the Soroptimist Awards Banquet Photo courtesy SI
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