Back row, L to R: Stanley and Marilyn Frey, Victoria Last, Willy Christmas, Holly Christmas, Zach Harris, Sofie Thulen, Olivia Hanstad, Jillian Bruce, and Rebecca Larsen. In Front, L to R: Juliette Scott and Kaylan Dawson. (Not pictured: Kasey Swanson)
How does Soroptimist International of La Conner help improve the lives of women and girls? In many, many ways and particularly with monetary gifts and scholarships that help make dreams come true.
Each year, SILC honors those in our area who strive to achieve their goals as well as those who make a difference by giving back to our community. On March 11, the 2014 awards and honors recipients joined SILC members at the La Conner Seafood and Prime Rib House restaurant for a delicious meal and special recognition:
The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award was presented to Rebecca Larsen. The Live Your Dream Award assists women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families by giving them the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects. Rebecca, who attends Northwest Indian College, is deeply involved in the Indian Child Welfare (ICW) and tribal nations’ efforts to acknowledge and overcome the damage done to communities and individuals due to forced removal and adoption of tribal children. To hear Rebecca’s story, view her video at Youtube.com.
Marilyn Frey, and her husband Stanley received the Ruby Award for outstanding volunteerism in the community. The Ruby Award is a grant that recipients may pass on to the charity of their choice. Marilyn and Stanley, who are vital members of the volunteer crew at the Sunrise La Conner Food Bank, designated the food bank as their charity.
The Vocational/Technical Award is granted to a student who is working toward a certificate at a local community college or technical school. The 2014 grant was presented to Victoria Last who is studying Environmental Conservation at Skagit Valley College.
Jillian Bruce and Kasey Swanson each received a Fellowship Award, granted to students who are working toward a master’s degree. Both Jillian and Kasey are graduates of La Conner High School.
Violet Richardson Awards went to Sofie Thulen and Olivia Hanstad for their work with the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life.
Juliette Scott and Kaylan Dawson each earned Caring Kids Awards for creating, distributing and managing (with their families’ help) money collection jars for Ashlyn and Bella, two children in our community who are being treated for cancer. Juliette and Kaylan received gift certificates for ice cream at Snow Goose Produce.
Finally, SILC recognized Willy Christmas, Holly Christmas and Zach Harris, who chose to honor their wife, mother and grandmother, Katherine Christmas, with memorial gifts to the SILC Secret Santa program.
To learn more about the SILC Awards program visit the Awards & Scholarships page.
For example, it is the goal of the Soroptimists STOP Trafficking program to raise awareness about sex trafficking. Human Trafficking is the second largest and fastest growing criminal industry in the world, and affects all our communities throughout the northwest region. Awareness of this modern day slavery is paramount to preventing this illegal situation from growing and prospering. 