Soroptimists bring rich heritage of Fallon

The history of Soroptimists in Fallon is rich, the contributions to the community are many.This year, Soroptimist International of Fallon celebrates its 60th birthday.

Soroptimists are business and professional women who have energy and vision. One of the first Soroptimist projects in Fallon was the Senior Center, which has grown into an important place for many seniors to eat, recreate, learn and socialize.

Most people are familiar with the work of SI Fallon because of our annual Home, Garden and Recreation Show held every April at the Convention Center. The proceeds from the Show benefit many projects, including Pioneer Park on North Maine Street. A Soroptimist project for many years, the park is dedicated to six amazing pioneer women in Churchill County. We continue to upgrade and improve the park and invite the public to take advantage of the park that is so beautifully maintained by the City of Fallon.

The key to the success of SI Fallon is its affiliation with the worldwide organization, Soroptimist International. Through service projects that target AIDS patients, domestic violence victims, trafficking of women and children and literacy, Soroptimists are touching people across the globe.

Soroptimists’ nongovernmental status at the United Nations gives us our clout. Essentially we do our work through awareness, advocacy and action, addressing the myriad challenges to the advancement of the status of women and girls.

We are now planning a new annual fundraiser, Quarters for Courage. This event is a quarter auction, with many prizes donated by the community. Proceeds will benefit the Building Dignity project of Domestic Violence Intervention. The auction is being held Nov. 9 at the Fallon Golf Course.

We would like to thank all the people who have helped our cause over the years-members, former members, business people in the community and the city of Fallon. Without dedicated people to help us, we couldn’t contribute to the community and impact lives.

If you would like more information on Soroptimists, Quarters for Courage, or any of our other projects, please join us at our birthday party at Pioneer Park on Oct. 12, beginning at noon, or you can call Terri Pereira at 426-9786.

Terri Pererira is president of the Fallon Sorpotimists.