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Mission- to empower woman and girls through education leading to empowerment. Soroptimist International of Vacaville A nonprofit for women's educational empowerment offering grants and scholarships. OUR MISSION MEMBERSHIP CALENDAR/EVENTS SI/Vacaville awarded over $10,000 to 9 LYD applicants in 2025-2026 club year. ROCKTOBERFEST 2023 SPONSORS Are You Ready to Make a Difference? Stand with us as we join forces with the Vacaville Police Department to donate backpacks for survivors of trafficking. Donate by scanning the QR code, or follow this link. LINK We are creating emergency backpacks filled with essentials and compassion. Each backpack may include a sturdy school bag, sweatsuit, underwear, socks, personal hygiene items, and small comforts to remind them that they matter… that someone cares… that they are not alone. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has," and "Children must be taught how to think, not what to think". Margaret Mead. Save the Date- Rocktoberfest 2026- Oct. 17, 2026. Thank you, ROCKTOBERFEST sponsors 2025 Links to our Sponsors' Websites for more information on these incredible companies Adobe ZenBusiness NorthBay Health Hall Management Infinity Tax Service Embarc Valley Strong Credit Union Skylight Landmann Wire Rope Products Medic Ambulance Scaffold Solutions Corner Stone Assisted Living Pilates by Design Beth Rowe, Edward Jones Caymus -Suisun ZenBusiness crop.pdf

Visit our site to ready all about Live Your Dream. A program that is changing lives for women in their educational journey. Qualifying head of household women can receive grants from $1,000 to assist in their education or related expenses. LIVE YOUR DREAM Online Application System Opens on August 1 Complete an online application from women who serve as the primary wage earners for their families and seek financial assistance to continue their education or receive training. APPLICATION HERE The Vacaville club provides cash grants to the award recipients; each award will be at least $1,000. The first-place awardee at the club level will advance to the District Level, and if they are chosen as a District Level winner, they will receive an additional $5,000. The winner at the Region Level will be submitted to SIA, where an additional $10,000 will be awarded to one lucky recipient. You will be given club choices when you apply. Remember to choose Vacaville. ELIGI BILITY Provides the primary financial support for yourself and your dependents. Dependents can include children, spouse, partner, siblings and/or parents. Has financial need. Is enrolled in or has been accepted to a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program. Is motivated to achieve your education and career goals. Resides in one of Soroptimist International of the Americas’ member countries/territories (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Guam, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Taiwan, United States of America, Venezuela). Has not previously been the recipient of a Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity or Live Your Dream Award. Does not have a graduate degree. Is not a Soroptimist member, an employee of Soroptimist International of the Americas or immediate family of either.

Reading to the children of Vacaville in the afterschool program. Named after long time member Mary Harris. Mary Harris Reading Program Soroptimist International of Vacaville truly believes that literacy is one of the keys of life that build self confidence and furthers the desire to learn for a lifetime. Our reading program was started in 2002, by our beloved past president Mary Harris. She developed the program to include various sites within after-school programs and our libraries to bring stories to life as volunteers read to young children. We are not sure who enjoys this program more, the children or the Soroptimist volunteer readers! To learn more and how you can be involved email us at Mary Harris Reading Program

"S" Clubs are service clubs in local high schools. They follow the Soroptimist Mission of empowering women and girls. Resources for “S” Club members click on links “S” CLUB SCHOLARSHIP Applications open February 1, 2026 and closes April 20, 2026 APPLY FOR THE "S" CLUB OUTSTANDING SENIOR AWARD HERE VIOLET RICHARDSON AWARD CLOSED UNTIL OCT. 2026 Applications open on Oct. 1 each year and close on Dec. 15 About "S" Clubs Soroptimist International of Vacaville is very proud of our 4 "S"clubs. We have clubs at Vaca High, Vanden High, Buckingham Charter (on hold), and Vaca Christian.Their enthusiasm is contagious, and their energy makes us a bit envious. These 4 amazing clubs are working hard to make a difference with various community and global service projects. In addition to their school work, homework, and extracurricular activities they tirelessly help us with our fundraiser every year. Some of our own Soroptimist members started at the local high school "S"Club! Being a part of an "S" Club, as a student or an advisor is life changing – building self esteem, leadership and business skills, while growing friendships. For more information, and a bit more history please continue to read on. Club Liaisons Vaca High-Beth Rowe Vanden- Yvonne Thrasher Buckingham-on hold Vaca Christian-Dawn Shephe rd APPLY FOR AN "S" CLUB SCHOLARSHIP Membership is a great experience, and it just got better with an opportunity to apply for the Soroptimist International of Vacaville "S"Club Scholarship! Minimum award is $750. It is easy to apply and qualify! Be a member of a Vacaville "S" club and be in your senior year. APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FEBURARY 1, 2026, through APRIL 20, 2026 Cl ick HERE to download your PDF fill-in application now and email the completed application by APRIL 20, 2026 via Email sivacaville@soroptimist.net "S" OUTSTANDING SENIOR AWARD As an "S" club member you can also apply for the "S"club Outstanding Senior Award The Outstanding Senior“S” Club Awards, specific to Founder Region, are offered solely for the purpose of honoring outstanding high school seniors that are members of an “S” Club of Founder Region. Nominations for this award are submitted by clubs with the selection to be made by the “S” Club committee. The number and value of the annual awards are to be determined by the Region Board. DEADLINE TO APPLY - MARCH 1 "S" Club Outstanding Senior Award application

Club and Region events are listed on the calendar page. Events Save the Date for next year's Rocktoberfest- Saturday,Oct 17, 2026 Want to learn how you can be a part of this dynamic group? Visit a club meeting. Email us at sivacaville@soroptimist.net Thank you Accordionist Diane We Need Your Support Today! Donate

Honoring women in the Vacaville Community who have been mentors to women and girls. Dream Makers We have teamed with WRAP ( Women's reentry achievement program) WRAP case managers provide pre-release services in the jail prior to a woman’s release. Services include individual reentry planning, trauma and empowerment groups. We show women coming out of incarceration that we care, they are valued, and we believe in them. This program is specific to Soroptimist Int. of Vacaville, and local to our Solano County women. One common comment we get from the participants is that we made them feel special. Members take the woman shopping, out to lunch and send to a local salon for hair and nails. It may seem like a small thing but it has a big impact. Are you going back to school or enrolled in a program? You may qualify for a scholarship- Follow link to apply SCHOLARSHIP

Visit some of our archived files from the founding of Soroptimist International of Vacaville from 1960. Our History In 2013, longtime Soroptimist International of Vacaville member Jill Hunter, DDS ( pictured below) decided to take on a big project -- documenting our history! She worked with graphic artist and longtime member Tara Baumann to create a visual History Map of SI/Vacaville. Click on the link to read about Our "HER"STORY to see the results of their work. This publication stretches from 1960 to the 2000's and is updated as needed by our club historian. OUR "HER"STORY Past Presidents Elsie Sasser 1960-61 ( Charter President) Virginia Clark 1961-62 Mary Ward 1962-63 Alice Knapp 1963-64 Marian Thomas 1964-65 Mae Azevedo 1965-66 Betty de la Cruz 1966-67 Beverly Stocking 1967-68 Marian Rowland 1968-69 Lola DeVan 1969-70 Pluma Deavers 1970-71 Noreen Rhodes 1971-72 Lela Johnson 1972-73 Lucille Spengler 1973-74 Martha Comstock 1974-75 Carol Zadnik 1975-76 Arta Miller 1976-77 Dee Yost 1977 Donna Meyers 1977-79 Carol Miller 1979-80 Jill Hunter 1980-81 Corinne Grannen 1981-82 Jan Marie Whitley 1982-83 Debbie Hitzeman 1983-84 Jackie Pearson Ricketts 1984-85 Pat Burd Johnson 1985-86 Lois Simmons 1986-87 Wendy Wasserman 1987-88 Ann Rollin 1988-89 Pat Moreno 1989-90 Diane McClure 1990-91 Denise Suihkonen 1991-92 Shelly Willis 1992-93 Joyce Suihkonen 1993-94 Kathy Andronico 1994-95 Kathy Riley-Graver 1995 Joyce Suihkonen 1996(President Pro Tem) Judy Dykes 1996-97 Rose McPharlin 1997-98 Yvonne Johnson 1998-99 Donna Fox 1999-2000 Tara Baumann 2000-01 Mary Harris 2001-02 Clara Oakes 2002-03 Stephanie Corrington 2003-04 Yev Dakessian-Taylor 2004-05 Suzanne Clark 2005-06 Suzan Hey 2006-07 Faye Sheppard 2007-08 Lenora Fuller 2008-09 Kari Rader 2009-10 Carla Demaray 2010-11 Bambi Reile 2011-12 Clara Oakes 2012-13 Sandy Esparza 2013-14 Joy Swank 2014 -15 Desiree Ramos 2015-2016 Colleen Berumen 2016-2018 Beth Rowe 2018-2019 Lisa Hilas 2019-2020 Mary Dickey 2020-2021 Jackie De Vries 2021-2022 Linda Johnson and Sharon Marcacci 2022-2023 History of Soroptimist Founding

Violet Richardson Award is for young women 14 through 18 who are making a difference in their community. Violet Richardson Award Are you a girl between the ages of 14 and 18? Are you engaged in volunteering to help disadvantaged individuals fight drug use, crime and violence, or clean up the environment? Working to end discrimination? Then you should apply for the VIOLET RICHARDSON AWARD You could receive up to $1000.00 Download the application and the media consent form below. Application and Media Consent Form must be submitted to Soroptimist International of Vacaville via email to Chair Mary Dickey at phredymar@aol.com . DEADLINE DEC. 10, 2025. The award is named after the president of the first Soroptimist club in 1921. Violet Richardson believed in personal responsibility and the motto, “It’s what you do that counts.” She lived her life accordingly, as an active member in her community who was committed to creating opportunities for girls and young women. Soroptimist established this award to honor the memory of this unique woman and her dedication to volunteer action. APPLICATION MEDIA CONSENT FORM PAST Recipients A Vacaville High School senior, Caitlin is currently student council president. To help overcome the isolation of the pandemic years, she created a “Bigs and Littles” program with the idea to pair returning members of the council with new leaders to build relationships and learn from each other. In addition, she’s a founding member of the Vacaville High Tutoring Program, and captain of the variety drill team. Caitlin was presented $1,000 and $1,000 will be donated in her name to the Vacaville Student Council. Bria was our runner up. She received $500.00 for herself, and $500.00 for her charity. She is a member of the Solano Youth Coalition, a student-led group that works to build healthy civic and scholastic engagement in youth. Bria was given $500 and $500 was donated in her name to the Solano Youth Coalition.

Soroptimist of Vacaville's presence in the community. News About Soroptimist of Vacaville Local Media Coverage The Reporter, 9/5: Vacaville Soroptimists ready to jam with their Rocktoberfest fundraiser The Reporter, 8/13: New Vacaville Soroptimist Co-Presidents Begin their Terms Daily Republic 7/13: New Soroptimist Officers Put Hearts into Mission Press Releases Soroptimists Plan Rocktoberfest for 2024 Soroptimists Announce New Slate of Officers Mary Dickey and Clara Oakes, Co-Presidents for 2024-25 Earlier newspaper clips...

Soroptimist of Vacaville has many projects that they fund within the Vacaville community. Serving the Vacaville Community since 1960 We love our town, and we love being involved in local events. In honor of International Day of Women we partnered with the Vacaville Musuem to honor women in aviation. Community members were invited to nominate a woman who had worked in aviation, or nominate themselves. Girls State Through our Community Grants program we donate money to Anerican Legion Auxillary to issue grants to girls to enable them to attend Girls State. California Girls State is a leadership program of the American Legion Auxiliary designed to increase awareness and knowledge of governmental processes while learning about the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Soroptimist Means Business In response to the pandemic Soroptimist Int. of Vacaville awarded grants to women owned/operated businesses to show our appreciation and acknowledge how difficult the pandemic had been on businesses in Vacaville. Honored Health Care workers during Pandemic Response to Wild Fires The LNU fires devistated Vacaville. SIVV donated $5,000.00 to help our community. Donation to Cancer Center from Fund-A-Need Pictured placing a sign is former President, and retired Northbay nurse, Mary Dickey Honoring former President Wendy Wasserman Kellogg who left us too soon. Pictured are past Presidents, Lisa Hilas, Beth Rowe, member Nancy Bennet and past President Mary Dickey

Learn all about how you can join Soroptimist International of Vacaville and give back to your community and help empower women and girls. Come visit us! Do you have a passion for service? Do you want to meet like minded people who are committed to the mission of empowering women and girls through education? Then Soroptimist Int. of Vacaville is for you! How often do you meet? The first 4 Tuesdays of the month (no meeting on fifth Tuesday) We do not meet in July, Thanksgiving week, and the 2nd two weeks of December. What time? 12:00pm to 1:30pm Where? Holiday Inn Express on Lawrence Drive, Vacaville How much to join- $250.00 a year ( rate is prorated if joining after Jan of each year.) Are there weekly fees? Our room fee is $10.00 a week, if you are in attendance. Is there mandatory attendance? No! We are a no guilt club- many of our members come weekly, others are traveling or pick the meetings they can attend. What is a typical meeting like? The second Tuesday is the business meeting where we discuss the work of committees and upcoming fundraising events One meeting a month we have a guest speaker- this is our program meeting, topics range from women's health issues, women's empowerment and other timely topics Once a month the Dream Makers committee have one of their recipients tell us a little about herself and her plans for the future We have fun sharing, ice breakers and fun auctions Fundraisers- Our main Fundraiser is in October- called Rocktoberfest. The funds raised are given out throughout the year through our programs. ( Please view all programs here.) Please contact Linda Johnson to schedule a visit to our club- no obligation, just come have some fun and decide if this is something you are interested in. We have been in Vacaville since 1960 and our parent organization, Soroptomist International of the Americas was formed in Oakland in 1921. THE TOP BENEFITS OF JOINING SOROPTIMIST INT. OF VACAVILLE ( SIVV) Friendship: In an increasingly complex world, SIVV provides one of the most basic human needs: the need for friendship and fellowship. Personal Growth and Development : Membership in SIVV continues one’s growth and education in human relations and personal development. Leadership Development: Soroptimist is an organization of leaders and successful people. Serving in SIVV positions is like a college education. Leadership: – learning how to motivate, influence and lead leaders. Community : Membership in SIVV makes one a better community citizen. Soroptimist Int. of Vacaville consists of active citizens of Vacaville. Fun : SIVV is fun, a lot of fun. Each meeting is fun. The club projects are fun. Social activities are fun. Serving others is fun. Public Speaking Skills: Many individuals who joined SIVV were afraid to speak in public. SIVV develops confidence and skill in public communication and the opportunity to practice and perfect these skills. Development of Social Skills : Every week and at various events and functions, SIVV develops one’s personality, social skills, and people skills. SIVV is for people who like people and want to be of service. Citizens of the World : Because we are an international organization, we learn of world issues. We have a presence at the United Nations. Opportunity to Serve : SIVV is a service club. Soroptimists provide community service to both local and international communities. This is perhaps the best reason for becoming a Soroptimist: the chance to empower women and girls in our local community and the world. “If you educate a man, you educate an individual. But if you educate a woman you educate a nation” Old African proverb.

For over 100 years our global organization works to empower women and girls through programs leading to economic empowerment through education. Privacy Policy We will not use or collect your data. Please contact us if you have any questions Safety and Security Payments are made on a third party site and are encrypted. We do not share nor collect your personal data. Read More GENERAL We Need Your Support Today! Donate