It was a record-breaking crowd at the 28th Annual Women Who Make a Difference Luncheon, held April 4 at the Grand. Margie Hersh, President of Soroptimist International of Long Beach (SILB) welcomed the 430 guests to the event which was Chaired by Lynn Shrum and assisted by Co-Chair Louise Cunningham. Past Honorees in attendance were applauded, as well as the many Soroptimists who worked to make this such as successful event. Soroptimist Regional Director Linda Haines was thanked for her attendance. Reverend Libby Tigner was then introduced and delivered an inspiring invocation.
Dr. Jana Martin then gave the audience an update of the community service activities of the S Club at Poly High School, which was founded five years ago by SILB.
The Chair, Lynn Shrum explained the history and value of these awards. The recognition luncheon today is a model that is used by Soroptimist Clubs around the world. The categories and criteria are established by Soroptimist International of the Americans and support the organizations international focus, which is "making a difference for women."
Each year, Soroptimist International of Long Beach requests nominations for these awards from individuals and organizations within our community. They come from all professions and were honored this day because of their life’s work - turning experience of the Killing Fields in Cambodia to positive efforts in the Long Beach Cambodia Town; working with domestic abuse victims in Long Beach; assisting to ensure healthy families for all economic levels; advancing the status of minority women; raising money to assist local clinics for children; improving the educational system; working to stem violence in our schools, as well as using the arts to raise awareness of issues affecting women and girls. The panel of judges who selected today’s awardees is made up of last year’s award recipients.
Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster spoke briefly to congratulate the winners as well as tell the group about Dr. Beverly O’Neill’s community activities since leaving office.
Winners and their categories for 2009:
Beverly O’Neill, (Trail Blazer Award) – introduced by Freda Hinche Otto
Shirley Wild, Columnist and Founder of Steel Magnolias (Economic and Social Development) – introduced by Blanche Cannady.
Michelle Molina, CEO and Founder, Peace Partners, Inc. (Education) – introduced by Jean Egan
Lillian Lew, Director, Families in Good Health (Health) – introduced by Denice Lanuti
Alyce La Violette Therapist specializing in domestic violence issues. (Human Rights & Status of Women) – introduced by Josephine Fitzpatrick
Sithea San, Chairperson, Cambodia Town, USA (International Goodwill and Understanding) – introduced by Lori Woodruff.
Virginia DeMoss, Director, The Found Theatre (Women Making a Difference for Women) – introduced by Louise Cunningham
National Council of Negro Women, Long Beach Chapter (Business or Organization) – Section President Zena Bourda introduced by Minnie Douglas.
At the end of her speech, Virginia DeMoss made the exciting announcement of the establishment of the Cynthia Galles Found Theatre Memorial Scholarship to be presented at the Annual Scholarship Awards luncheon of Soroptimist International of Long Beach. It will be $1,000 annually that will go to a Long Beach woman who is studying acting, directing, theatre management, or some other theatre discipline. Virginia presented the first check to President Margie Hersh.
FYI: Soroptimist International is a volunteer service organization bringing together professional and executive women. The world's largest classified service organization for women, Soroptimist International sponsors a number of international projects designed to improve the status of women in our communities and throughout the world. There are currently over 90,000 members in 125 countries and territories worldwide. The SI Long Beach Club was founded in 1924 and celebrated their 85th Anniversary last month and currently has 85 active members. SILB members are educators, doctors, lawyers and businesswomen in the fields of healthcare, education, religion, non-profit, real estate and journalism. SILB is very proud of its contribution to the Long Beach Community. In the last five years over $175,000 in scholarships and grants have been awarded.
Seen at the Scene:
Lori Brault, Doug Otto, Chief Anthony Batts, Nancy Foster, Jean Bixby Smith, Long Beach City Councilmember Tonia Reyes Uranga, State Assembly member Bonnie Lowenthal, Rich Archbold, Laura Doud, Nancy Hegelheimer, Mary Soth, Shirlee Jackert, Sandy VandenBerge, Donna Skinner, Margaret Leake, Danielle Hasley, Terri Nikoletich, Nicolassa Galvez, Dawn Morishige, Cheryl Sears, Marie LaFortune, Dorothy Deatherage, Jana Martin, Ph.D., Carina Cristiano Leoni, Dr. Sabira Tajani
