Best for Women December 2021
Holiday Wishes from President Kazuko
Meet New Executive Director/CEO Michelle Burnett
Thank You For Your Generosity on Giving Tuesday!
This Giving Tuesday, thanks to an incredible matching gift contribution from our partner JAFRA, every gift made to Soroptimist was matched dollar for dollar up to $10,000. Today we are thrilled to tell you that we reached our goal in less than 24 hours! If you did not get a chance to donate on Giving Tuesday, it’s not too late!
Nancy Montvydas to Retire
After nearly 30 years with Soroptimist, Nancy Montvydas, Donor Relations Officer, will retire on December 31, 2021. For the majority of her career, Nancy led the fundraising efforts for Soroptimist building our professional fund development team and spearheading efforts to professionalize our fundraising efforts. The impact she has had on the organization—and the women and girls we serve—cannot be overstated. We wish Nancy the best in her retirement. Read more about Nancy’s accomplishments.
Big Goal Updates
- To kick off our next Big Goal, we’ve provided tips to encourage clubs and regions to increase the number of women and girls they reach through access to education.
- Be sure to share your accomplishments and report your club’s Big Goal Accelerator Projects! Not sure if your project is eligible? Consult our What Counts handout.
- Don’t forget to review and apply for Soroptimist Club Grants for projects that support our Big Goal!
Dream Big Campaign Spotlight
Each month we’ll highlight a club project, resource, or tip to help clubs support our Dream Big Campaign. Share successful club stories with us on social media and be sure to use #DreamBigSIA and #SoroptimistsAtWork.
SI/Monroe County, Michigan (Midwestern Region), is selling jars of bean soup, along with the recipe gifted by SI/Oakland County Michigan. ALL proceeds will go to our Dream Big Campaign. Thank you, SI/Monroe County!
Make an Impact Through Year-End Giving!
As the holiday season approaches, many families are preparing their year-end giving plans. The Fund Development team is available for year-end giving conversations to discuss the ways you can make an impact now and in the future on the women and girls we serve. Learn more about these services and schedule your meeting today!
Live Your Dream Awards
Share Your Story—Celebrating 50 Years of Live Your Dream Awards!
Did you know 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the Live Your Dream Awards? Even though the program has had other names since 1972—the Training and Awards Program and the Women’s Opportunity Awards—the goal to help women create a better life for themselves and their families through access to education and training has always remained the same. Do you keep in touch with an award recipient from the 1970s, 80s or 90s? Are you an award recipient who later became a Soroptimist? If so, let us know by emailing Program Director Jaclyn by December 10.
Recognizing Recipients
Reminder, please don’t wait to give your chosen Live Your Dream Awards recipient her award—women need these funds now more than ever. A celebration can wait, but her expenses will not!