Soroptimists from Oak Harbor, Coupeville and South Whidbey will gather 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20 to present their Live Your Dream Awards, celebrating what it means to be a woman who dares to dream and reach for the stars.
Attendees will hear inspiring stories from grant and scholarship winners and meet Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, a retired U.S. Navy captain.
Piper will talk about her experiences as a NASA astronaut, including two space shuttle missions and numerous space walks.
Since 1972, the Soropt-imist Live Your Dream Award has dispersed more than $25 million to women who overcame poverty, domestic and sexual violence, divorce, death of a spouse or other challenges.
Recipients may use the cash grants to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain additional education or training.
The 2017 Live Your Dream Opportunity Scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior girl seeking post high school education and training following her graduation in June.
At a time when national politics involving women’s issues has reached an equally fever pitch at local levels, and many Whidbey Island women have responded by joining marches and public political dialogues, members of Whidbey Island’s Soroptimist Clubs continue to work tirelessly — funding grants, scholarships and local programs that directly benefit women and girls on the Island.
Soroptimists believe the most effective way to empower women and girls is by providing them with resources to improve their economic and social standing — for themselves, their families and their communities.
The 2017 Soroptimist Awards and Scholarships Banquet will honor women who dare to dream and are reaching for the stars.
All community members are cordially invited to join the celebration and meet some very inspiring women. It will be held at First United Methodist Church Centennial Hall, 1050 SE Ireland St., Oak Harbor.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased in advance at the Soroptimist Thrift Store Upscale Resale, 210 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor or at Jones Accounting, 1199 SE Dock St., Oak Harbor.
