Soroptimist International of Carson City to present grants & award

Soroptimist International of Carson City will honor its Ruby Award recipient during a luncheon meeting Wednesday, April 26.

Around the world, many women are working to improve the lives of women and girls. Some women work through their personal or volunteer efforts; others do so through professional avenues. The Soroptimist Ruby Award, formerly the Making a Difference for Women Award, is designed to honor these women. Although not Soroptimists, their work helps to promote the issues that are important to Soroptimists. The Ruby Award offers a way for the organization to say “thank you.”

Emily Brown, Minden resident and leader of Girl Scouts of Sierra Nevada Troop 295, has been chosen to receive Carson City Soroptimist’s 2017 Ruby Award. She started a small Brownie troop in the Johnson Lane area. Her tiny troop soon grew to a total of fifteen members, ranging in age from five to fourteen. Says Brown, “They are so passionate about finding ways to help the community.”

For a nationwide Scout contest where troops raise money to help local charities, the girls decided on Austin’s House, a home for children in the foster care system, as the beneficiary of their cookie sales efforts. Brown’s oldest member, a Cadette Scout, is earning her Silver Star for Community Service by creating an anti-bullying campaign, including the younger members to create and act in a video presentation.

In an essay submitted to the Ruby Award Committee, Brown writes, “It is my goal to continue to lead these ladies into a future where they have grown up learning to support one another, help each other find their individual strengths, and work as a team. I want to help the women of the future to be better people.” As part of the Ruby Award recognition, the Soroptimists will donate $500 to Brown’s troop.

During Wednesday’s meeting, the Soroptimists will also be presenting $12,000 in grant funds, earned through their annual Stroke to Help Golf Tournament, to eight Carson City organizations that work to improve the lives of women and girls locally. The meeting is open to the public, with prior reservations required. Seating is limited.

The meeting will be Wednesday, April 26, noon until 1 p.m., in the north room of Glen Eagles Restaurant. There is no cost to attend, however an optional plated lunch, with choice of entrees, is available for $16.

To reserve a seat, email Miriam at silismiriam@gmail.com before Monday evening, April 24. For information about Carson City Soroptimist, go to www.sicarsoncity.org or find them on Facebook.