MARYSVILLE — Soroptimist International of Marysville recruited a few new business and professional women into their members during their “Last Splash of Summer” get-acquainted social and picnic-style dinner on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at Marysville Fire Station 62.
“We’re always looking for women in the community who are interested in service,” said Kathie Roon, co-president of Soroptimist International of Marysville with Teresa Trivett.
While last year’s social drew 10 women from outside of the organization, this year’s event saw six non-Soroptimist women attend, three of whom had already signed up for the group by the meeting’s end.
Roon explained that Soroptimist International of Marysville tackles a broad scope of programs to aid other women, from national and global-level concerns such as combating human trafficking, to supplying scholarships for local high school girls.
“Last year, we generated $17,500 in scholarships for nine girls,” said Roon, who noted that Soroptimist International of Marysville is also active in the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay For Life. “We have two teams for Relay each year, who raise about $8,000 to $9,000.”
Roon added that Soroptimist International of Marysville likewise contributes between $3,000 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, who will be the recipient of a few gifts from us during our district meeting on Saturday, Oct. 12,” Roon said. “We’re set to have about 300 women show up to the Tulalip Resort, and Snohomish County Executive John Lovick will be one of the speakers, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Looking further ahead, Roon joined Renae James, former president of Soroptimist International of Marysville, in inviting the community to take part in Soroptimist International of Marysville’s annual fundraising auction at the Medallion Hotel in Smokey Point, starting at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26.
“This is always a fun event, with lots of silent and live auction items, great raffles and a delicious meal,” said James, who noted that this year’s theme is “Bounty of Treasures,” during which attendees are welcome to wear pirate outfits, if they dare. “Costumes are encouraged but not required. This auction is our club’s primary fundraiser, and the funds raised go toward local scholarships and supporting local and international service projects.”
“We raised about $30,000 last year,” Roon said. “Obviously, we’re trying to beat that this year.”
“We’re just looking forward to a great year of investing in our community and continuing to grow as a group,” Trivett said.
Tickets for the event are $55 each. For further ticket information, or to donate an item, call 360-722-2242 or 360-708-0538.
