May 1, 2010
Contact: Freda Hinsche Otto fhinscheotto@charter.net
562/713-8981
Soroptimists Honor “Women Who Make a Difference”
Soroptimist International of Long Beach kept tradition alive in 2010 with the annual Women Who Make a Difference luncheon on May 1st at The Grand in Long Beach. Nearly 450 people crowded the room to recognize the award recipients. The event was co-chaired by Pamela Seager and Freda Hinsche Otto.
Seven individuals and one organization were designated as winners of the 2010 Women Who Make a Difference Awards given annually by Soroptimist International of Long Beach. These honorees are local women who have distinguished themselves through their personal and professional achievements. “This year we are honoring a group of remarkable women who have stunning accomplishments and who are magnificent role models for our young people,” said President Denice Lanuti.
The Ruby Award for Women Helping Women was presented to local educator and advocate Julia Taboada. The Women of Distinction awards were presented to Laura Farinella, Long Beach Police Department Commander of the Gangs and Violent Crimes Division for her work in the area of Human Rights and the Status of Women; Pamela Shaw, Public Health Nurse received the award for Health; Monica Stel, Tammy Newland, Owner of Kelly Williams Realty received the award in the area of Economic and Social Development; Bea Antenore, activist and education advocate for Education and Barbara Long, Vice President for Government Affairs and Special Projects at the Aquarium for her work in the Environment.
The award for the Business or Organization Advancing the Status of Women honors an organization that significantly impacts women’s lives, and recognized Interval House, a domestic violence prevention organization. The award was accepted by founder and Executive Director Carol Williams. Interval House is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
Soroptimists were pleased to welcome representatives from the S Club at Long Beach Polytechnic High School, a sister organization for young women that encourages active participation in the community.
Soroptimist International of Long Beach is a worldwide organization of women working in management and professions who utilize service projects to advance the status of women and girls in Long Beach and around the world. Founded in 1924, SI Long Beach is one of the oldest service organizations in the city, and with nearly 100 members, is one of the largest groups in the state.
Seen at the scene were Soroptimist president Denice Lanuti, past-presidents Lynn Hermstad, Donna Skinner, Sabira Tejani, Nancy Hegelheimer, Freda Hinsche Otto, Pamela Seager, Sally Lane, Minnie Douglas and Jana Martin among others. Also attending the event were First Lady Nancy Foster, Congresswoman Laura Richardson, Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal, Senator Alan Lowenthal, Vice-Mayor Val Lerch, Councilmembers Gerrie Schipske and Gary DeLong. Police Chief Jim McDonnell and his wife Kathy attended as did newly elected City Prosecutor Doug Haubert.
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