Violet Richardson Award
Soroptimist International of Wallowa County, an international volunteer service organization for business and professional women, is seeking applicants for its recognition program targeted to young women who make the community and world a better place. The Violet Richardson Award honors young women, between the ages of 14 and 17, for volunteer action such as: working to end discrimination and poverty; fighting drugs, crime, and violence; cleaning up the environment; and other volunteer community services. The club believes that by acknowledging young women's volunteer involvement now, they will grow up to be vital, active members of the community.
The local Soroptimist club awards $1,000 to be divided between the first, second, and third place winners. Club-level winners then become eligible for one of 28 $1,000 awards and one finalist will be chosen from among the 28 winners for an additional award.
The award program is named after Violet Richardson, the president of the first Soroptimist club in 1921. Richardson believed in personal responsibility and the motto, "It's what you do that counts." She lived her life accordingly, as an active member in her community who was committed to creating opportunities for girls and young women. Soroptimist established this award to honor the memory of this unique woman and her dedication to volunteer action.
If you think you make a worthy violet Richardson Award candidate, or know someone who would, please contact Dolores Herrera at 432-0287 or Dolores Bridges at 432-0467. You can also pick up applications at the Soroptimist Thrift Shop, open Monday and Tuesday from 9 am to 3 pm. Applications must be returned by December 1, 2008.
Women's Opportunity Award
The Women's Opportunity Awards are cash awards given to women seeking to improve their economic status by gaining additional skills, training or education. To qualify for consideration a woman must be the primary wage earner for her family, and must be attending or have been accepted to a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program. These awards are not scholarships, but rather cash awards to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, including tuition, books, supplies, childcare or transportation costs.
The Soroptimist Club of Wallowa County will award up to $2,000 to the winning applicant. That applicant then goes on to regional and international competitions where the award money reaches $15,000.
This program was created in 1972 to help women improve their ability to provide for their families. More than 25 women from Wallowa County have benefited from the Women's Opportunity Award. Nationwide, more than $850,000 is provided in cash grants to women in need each year.
To find out if you qualify for this award, or if you need more information on applying, you can pick up applications at the Soroptimist Thrift Shop, open Monday and Tuesday from 9 am to 3 pm, or contact Dolores Herrera at 432-0287 or Dolores Bridges at 432-0467. Applications must be returned by December 1, 2008.