Soroptimists grant $65,000

Soroptimist International of Carson Valley awarded $65,000 in grants at their fourth annual awards luncheon at the Carson Valley Inn on Oct. 23.

Soroptimist's goal to be an international volunteer organization of business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and children, with an emphasis on girls.

The funds for the grants awarded during the year came from fundraising events sponsored by the Soroptimist International of Carson Valley during 2006-07, including Savor the Flavor food and wine tasting and Carson Valley Days button sales.

Education Chair Carolyn Emr presented grants to the following organizations: Douglas County Sheriff's grant, Halloween safety street, Project Santa Claus, Boys & Girls Club of Carson Valley, Project School Days, student achiever/student of the month, Violet Richardson Award, Women of Opportunity Award, Landis Scholarship Award.

Environment Committee Chair Debra Lang presented grants to the River Wranglers for Carson River Education Day. Students from Minden Elementary and high school students from the FFA program participated in an educational work day on the river Oct. 9 and learned about river conservation, history of the Valley and erosion control.

An additional grant was given to the River Wranglers to provide ongoing training for the students to study the Carson River.

Linda Faff presented the Health Committee's Scholarship Program. One scholarship for an individual entering the health care field. The club will be applying for matching grants to enable the club to give more than one scholarship.

Human Rights/Status of Women, Social Development, International Goodwill and Understanding Chair Faff presented grants to Abbey Crossing and Family Support Council, China Spring/Aurora Pines, Douglas County TRIAD, Senior Center/Meals on Wheels and the Partnership of Community Resources.

Soroptimist President Rosann Turigliatto presented a grant to Pam Graber, executive director of Carson Tahoe Regional Health Care Foundation for Carson Tahoe Cancer Center. The 3-year total of funds raised by the Soroptimist International of Carson Valley is $55,000 for this project.