NICE ? The empowerment of women, overcoming of obstacles and the rise to greatness set the tone for the Soroptimist International of Clear Lake”s annual Spring Fling luncheon and awards ceremony held Saturday at Robinson Rancheria in Nice. The event honored recipients of the club”s Women”s Opportunity awards and welcomed special guest speaker Dr. Dean Edell, who used his humor to slice through the hype floating around in the world of healthcare.
Soroptimist members work to better the lives of women throughout the world. “Why women and girls?” asked Soroptimist International of Clear Lake President Arlene Grimes to begin the program. “Because all around the world, women and girls face additional obstacles just because of their gender.”
Saturday”s event honored women who have risen to greater heights despite their circumstances. It also recognized a young girl whose volunteer efforts have provided for the betterment of her community as well as woman whose ongoing efforts contribute to the success of women.
“You save a girl and you save a woman. You save a woman and you save a family. You save a family and you save a community. You save a community and you save a nation and you have saved the world,” club director Linda Bozorgnia said.
The Women”s Opportunity awards are monetary gifts that assist women who are continuing their education in effort to better their own lives and those of their family. This year”s first place winner, who received a $1000 contribution toward her education, was Liegan Long. Long, the youngest of 10 children who suffered an abusive childhood followed by an abusive marriage, was a high school drop-out. In 2001, she became a CNA and discovered that she enjoyed helping others, finding an interest in the medical field. She is currently working toward becoming a registered nurse.
“I knew that continuing my education was not just a choice to make, but the only chance for my family to make it,” Long said. “By choosing me for the Women”s Opportunity Award, you have placed your faith in me. Your belief in me helps me to believe in myself.”
The second place winner, and recipient of $750, was Wendy Coleman. Coleman is currently studying at Yuba College and is expected to graduate with her Associates of Science in Business Administration degree this spring. She has already been accepted to Sacramento State University where she will continue her bachelor”s studies.
Kelly Kostka was recognized with a Women”s Opportunity Award and $500. Kostka has been accepted to Kaplan University for obtaining her Associates of Science degree in Medical Office Management. Becoming a mother, she said, changed the direction of her life.
“Single mothers have come a long way. We are becoming beneficial members of our community,” Kostka said in thanking the club for the award.
The Violet Richardson Award, named in honor of the club”s founding president, is awarded to a teenaged-girl whose volunteer efforts go above and beyond anything expected of a child her age. Kimberly Walker was this year”s award winner.
“In giving this award, Soroptimists look for a young woman in our community who recognizes the joy that comes from volunteering her time and talents and the benefits that volunteering brings to others,” Brenda Crandall, award chairperson said. “This year”s recipient of the Violet Richardson Award not only meets this criteria, but goes beyond it.”
Walker is a volunteer at Wiloth Equine Therapy and Riding Center where she works with special-needs children. Recognizing the benefits of animal therapy she started a 4-H group, which she said has grown to include 30 special-needs children. The special-needs club, she said, is the only one of its kind in the state.
“In looking at Kimberly”s application, I saw a young woman who not only volunteered her time and energy to the community, but created an opportunity for others to volunteer and learn the joys of giving, in creating this first of its kind 4-H club for children with disabilities,” Crandall said.
Walker received a surprise presentation as well. Sherry Johnson, the recipient of the club”s Woman of Distinction Award, which goes to a woman who helping other women through advocacy, awareness and action, presented the inaugural Random Act of Kindness Award, awarded through the CI Johnson Family Trust. Although it is not a Soroptimist award, she thanked the club for allowing her to use the venue to present the $500 award.
“You have shown that your caring and giving to others sets the tone for others to follow,” Johnson said in presenting the award to Walker.
The program concluded with a humorous presentation by Dr. Dean Edell. Edell sifted through national headlines as he cut through the facts and fiction of healthcare information delivered via the media.
“The more apt you are to listen to the media, the more apt you are to be misinformed,” Dr. Edell said. “People have become more concerned with what they are seeing on TV. Don”t be a sucker. Go on the Internet; look it up and ask your doctor.”
The event also included a raffle and a silent auction filled with prizes contributed by local and regional supporters.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
