02/13/2010: "FH Soroptimists 2nd Largest In USA"

(New members: L to R: Deanna Osborn, Melissa Guard, Laura Sandstrom, Kira Sable and Stephanie Prima-Sarantopulos. Photo by Marie DiCristina)

by Lori Stokes

This month, the Friday Harbor Soroptimists passed the 100-member mark, with five women (pictured) being inducted as new members.

This makes the group the largest of the island’s four service clubs, as well as the second largest in Soroptimist International of the Americas (SI of Chico, California is the only club larger than Friday Harbor’s). What an accomplishment, given the relatively small community in which the club operates!

San Juan Island’s club was founded in 1996 by a group of women who shared the vision of a service organization focusing on the needs of women and children.

44 islanders signed the charter, of which 13 are still active members of the club today: Lenore Bayuk, Carrie Brooks, Judy Cornell, Lynn Danaher, Phyllis Davis, Debbie Dickinson, Pat Hansen, Nancy Hanson, Carol Jackson, Mitzi Johnson, Judie Ross, Annette Schaffer and Vicky Thalacker.

The name Soroptimist means “best for women,” and that’s what the organization strives to achieve. Soroptimists are women (and a few men!) at their best, working to help other women be their best. Club members share their time, talents and financial resources to enrich the island community through a variety of service projects, awards, and scholarships.

In addition to the club’s commitment to the island community, members also contribute to projects around the country and the world through the Soroptimist International organization. During the last year and a half, the club put over $35,000 back into our community with donations to over 20 different organizations/activities. The largest single amount was the $18,500 the club spent purchasing ferry tickets for cancer patients going to the mainland for treatment. Visit: www.SiFri.org for more information.