By Stefanie Thompson
RiverScene Magazine

Soroptimist International of Lake Havasu will be holding its fifth annual Street Scramble and Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, March 10. The event is part-race, part-puzzle and all fun.

“We call it a ‘fun-raiser’ rather than a fundraiser,” said event chairperson and Soroptimist member Lisa Jennings. “This event brings awareness to what [Soroptimists] do; it gives the public a chance to learn about us.”

Soroptimist is an international women’s organization working to improve the lives of women and girls through programs promoting social and economic empowerment. According to the organization’s website, “more than 80,000 Soroptimists in about 120 countries and territories support community–based and global projects benefiting women and girls. The organization is particularly concerned with providing women and girls access to education, as this is the most effective path to self-determination.

“The name, Soroptimist, means ‘best for women,’ and that’s what the organization strives to achieve. Soroptimists are women at their best, working to help other women to be their best.”

Annika Meyers runs up the London Bridge steps during the Soroptimist Street Scramble. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jennings said that the money raised from registration at the Street Scramble and Scavenger Hunt stays in Lake Havasu City, and goes toward several of the local chapter’s scholarship and mentorship awards.

“It’s just one part of our work supporting women and girls here,” Jennings said. “Because Lake Havasu is a small community, everybody helps everybody. There are so many civic organizations doing great things. And our focus is just on women and girls and providing a hand up to those groups specifically.”

At the Street Scramble and Scavenger Hunt, teams of two to five people run or walk to designated checkpoints in the downtown area on McCulloch Boulevard, solving clues, finding hidden items and taking photos along the way. The event is family-friendly, and participants of any age are welcome to participate.

“Every year … we want a variety of clues. We want it to be a challenge for everyone, but also keep it fun,” Jennings said. “It’s a great experience for families and groups of friends; it’s always a lot of fun. We’re very excited!”

Early registration is open now online at http://soroptimiststreetscramble.webs.com. Early registration is $20 for anyone older than 12 years old, $15 for children ages 4 to 11, and free for children 3 years old and younger.

The cost of registration will go up $5 on the day of the event (it’s still free for children younger than 3), but Jennings said people are welcome to show up and register on-site up until 9 a.m. on race day. The first 100 people to sign up will receive a finisher’s medal, and additional awards will be given for the top three finishing teams and best team costumes. There will also be raffle drawings for other prizes.

“It’s supposed to be beautiful weather this weekend,” Jennings said. “Come on down, have some fun and help support us in our fifth year!”

Event registration will open at 8 a.m. Saturday, March 10. Instructions will be given to teams at 9:20 a.m. and the race begins at 9:30 a.m. Teams have up to three hours to finish, and awards will be presented at 12:30 p.m. The event begins and ends at the Heat Hotel, 1420 McCulloch Blvd. N.

For more information and for early registration, visit http://soroptimiststreetscramble.webs.com.