Sacramento Soroptimist borard members are (from left to right) Idelle Claypool, Karen Smith, Carol Adams, Nilda Valmores, Mary Anne Selvage, Minisha Trivedi, Nancy Wolford-Landers and Rosalie Gladden.
‘Have Fun. Get It Done’ SOROPTIMISTS CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF GIVING WOMEN AN EXTRA BOOST
BY LEANE RUTHERFORD
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n 1921, when women were not allowed to join male community groups in Oakland, 80 women signed a charter for the first Soroptimist Club, of and for women. Not far behind Oakland, Soroptimist International of Sacramento was chartered in 1923. Now global, 72,000 members in 121 countries belong to this volunteer service organization. Celebrating 100 years, Sacramento’s club is the fourth oldest active soroptimist club in the world. Loosely translated, “soroptimist” means “best for women.” The nearly 50 business and professional women comprising Soroptimist International of Sacramento volunteer their efforts for
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the benefit of women and girls through education and training for economic improvement. Members range in age from early 40s to 103, with many in their 70s and 80s. Ethnically diverse, they include African American, Asian, Indian, Latina and Pacific Islander women. Their reasons for becoming Soroptimists are varied. Pat McConahay is “inspired by the concept of women helping women, particularly at-risk women who have as many talents and gifts to share as anyone else. They just need that extra boost.” The club’s history is dense with good deeds. In the ‘20s and ‘30s, members arranged milk stations for the needy and funded tuberculosis services. During World War II, they contributed to the Red Cross, backed
USOs and furnished an empty room for the Women’s Army Corp at McClellan Air Force Base. In subsequent years, they subsidized drug rehabilitation, collected 9,000 pounds of clothing for disadvantaged Native Americans, purchased a kidney machine for Sutter Memorial Hospital and Braille machines for the blind, donated funds to establish PBS KVIE, and supported the Sacramento Science Center and newly established WEAVE.
When good things are happening, look for the soroptimists behind the curtain. Over time, attention went to a monthly cleanup of the American River Parkway, underwriting 20 performances of the Children’s Fantasy Theatre and championing independent living for foster children aging out of the system. Their worthy works continue. Last year, Soroptimist International of Sacramento awarded $28,000 to six young women seeking university degrees ranging from master’s to MDs.
WHEN GOOD THINGS ARE HAPPENING, LOOK FOR THE SOROPTIMISTS BEHIND THE CURTAIN.