Six remarkable “Women of Vision” were recognized for their extraordinary leadership and contributions to the Marin community at the Soroptimist International (SI) of Novato’s 41st Annual Spring Fundraiser on April 22, at the Bill and Adele Jonas Center on the Indian Valley College campus.
They were:
– Dr. Bobbie Head, MD, PhD, Marin Cancer Center.
– Paula Kamena, Marin County District Attorney (Retired).
– Jan La Torre-Derby, EdD, Superintendent, Novato Unified School District (Retired).
– Dr. Lois Merriweather Moore, Adjunct Professor, University of San Francisco (Retired).
– Nancy Weber, Soroptimist International of Novato, Community Humanitarian.
– Cecilia Zamora, Executive Director of the Latino Council, San Rafael.
Organizers said the proceeds from the “very successful” event will fund the many projects benefiting women and girls trying to improve their economic status through education and training. Two primary projects of SI Novato are the Violet Richardson Award, which recognizes high school girls’ community service, and the Live Your Dream Award, for women who have overcome enormous personal obstacles, including poverty, sex trafficking, and domestic violence. One Live Your Dream Award recipient said, “I want to set a good example for my kids and show (them) that education is the key for success that opens many doors on the life path.”
SI Novato also contributes to many local charitable organizations, including North Marin Community Services, Homeward Bound, and the Center for Domestic Peace.
Guests arriving at the sold-out event were given ample time to check out and bid on many exciting and creative silent auction items. During the luncheon, guests were treated to a mobile fashion show featuring beautiful and stylish clothing from Helen Saenz of Alice Becker Inc. Event Emcee Kathleen Woodcock, Chief Development Officer for St. Vincent de Paul Society, led a Fund-A-Need auction which netted over $14,000 for SI Novato’s awards programs. Novato comedian Gina Stahl-Haven wrapped up the event.
SI Novato is grateful for the generous support of the Spring Fundraiser Sponsors: Luther Burbank Corporation Foundation, The Emil and Lenore Maionchi Trust, Lisa Cobb/Anonymous Match, Paula Kamena, Arntz Family Foundation, Bank of Marin, Al Brayton, Brayton-Purcell LLP; Nugget Markets, Valley Memorial Park Cemetery & Funeral Home, Susan Cohen; Matilde White, Ghirardo CPA, Harrigan, Weidenmuller Co.; Linda Witong, Main Street Research, Margaret Tevis, Michelle Schultz, Travelfax; Peter Grassi, Peter Grassi Investment Management, LLC; Regina Bianucci Rus CPA, SAH Orthopaedic Associates, San Marin Animal Hospital/Dr. Erin Bennet, and Sharlene van Boer.
To learn more about Soroptimist International of Novato, please visit our website at www.soropnovato.org.
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