MARYSVILLE — Fall has seen the Soroptimists kick into high gear, as they aim to raise funds to benefit women locally and internationally.
The Marysville Chapter of Soroptimist International invites the public to attend its annual “Get Acquainted Social” from 7-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23, at Fire Station 66, 7217 40th St. NE.
“We’re always looking for women in the community who are interested in service,” said Kathie Roon, co-president with Teresa Trivett.
Former President Renae James added: “There’s no pressure to join. Just come on out, enjoy some treats, meet our wonderful members and learn what our club has doing, as well as its future projects.”
Roon explained that Soroptimists tackle a broad scope of programs to aid women, from national and global-level concerns such as combating human trafficking to supplying scholarships for local high school girls.
She also noted that Soroptimists are also active in the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, with two teams each year, that raise up to $9,000.
Roon elaborated that Soroptimists also contribute up to $4,000 annually to the Marysville Community Food Bank, with much of those funds going toward its annual holiday toy store and its weekend backpacks of food for families in need.
“In addition to the money we raise, we also provide our time and efforts to organizations such as Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County,” Roon said.
Looking ahead, Roon and James joined Linda Clay in inviting the community to take part in the Soroptimists’ annual fundraising auction at the Medallion Hotel in Smokey Point, starting at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25.
“This is always a fun event, with lots of silent and live auction items, great raffles and a delicious meal,” James said.
Clay added: “This is where we get the bulk of our money for the year, and one-hundred percent of what’s collected going right back into the community.”
Clay is looking for donations of goods, services and money for the auction, from time at vacation homes and holiday decor items to tools and sports memorabilia.
“Anybody with Seahawks tickets, we’d be glad to take them,” she laughed. “We want our auction to have items for men, too.”
Last year’s auction generated $34,000 in profit from 175 attendees, and with this year’s event adopting a theme of a “Hollywood Evening with the Stars” (costumes are optional), organizers hope to top those numbers.
“We’re just looking forward to a great year of investing in our community and continuing to grow as a group,” Trivett said.
Tickets are $55 each, which covers dinner and wine, and is tax-deductible.
For further information, or to donate an item, call 425-293-7613.
