2nd Panda Express Fundraiser Dec. 13
Our 2nd Panda Express Fundraiser will be a one-day event on Friday, December 13. We are again teaming up with Panda Express to make a meaningful impact on the lives of women and girls. 28% of every online order placed on that date through pandaexpress.com or the Panda Express mobile app using code 925809 will be donated to Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland. Our last Panda fundraiser raised about $200 for our Service Fund! Can we beat that this time? And let’s face it: at this busiest time of the year you deserve a day off from cooking!
How It Helps:
The money goes directly to our Service Fund to be given as educational grants to women who are struggling to support their families.
Get Involved:
Donate Directly: Can’t order on December 13? You can still contribute directly to Soroptimist of Vista & NCI by clicking DONATE WITHOUT ORDERING.
Human Trafficking Awareness Walk
Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland invites you to join us at our annual Human Trafficking Awareness Walk and Event, an in-person event held from 9 a.m. to noon on January 11 at the United Methodist Church of Vista, 490 S. Melrose Drive, Vista.
Event is free to the public. There will be info booths and a guest speakers. Signs and water provided. Families and pets welcome!
Pre-registration is requested but not required at link below:
Question? Call 760-758-1910
Giving Tuesday is December 3
GivingTuesday is December 3!
GivingTuesday is the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the United States. Created in 2012, it’s a one-day fundraiser, a global generosity movement aimed at unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world by donating to their favorite non-profit. We are kicking off our club’s GivingTuesday fundraiser in advance. If you’d like to help, just visit and share our donation page at:
Funds raised online go directly into our Service Fund.
Applicants Sought for Live Your Dream Awards
Women who are the primary wage earners for their families can now apply for financial assistance through the Soroptimist Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women. The awards, which provide cash grants to help women continue their education or training, are open for applications until November 15. Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland will award recipients cash awards of varying amounts to be determined. These local winners may also advance to the Soroptimist Region level, where they could receive up to an additional $5,000. The program culminates with three finalists each receiving $10,000.
Recipients of the Live Your Dream Award can use the funds to cover various education-related expenses, including tuition, books, childcare, and transportation. Each year, the Live Your Dream Award program distributes over $2.8 million in cash grants to women who serve as the head of their households. Since its inception in 1972, the program has provided more than $40 million, helping tens of thousands of women improve their lives and those of their families.
Founded in 1953, the Vista club is part of Soroptimist International of the Americas, a global volunteer organization dedicated to providing women and girls with access to education and training for economic empowerment. The organization also runs LiveYourDream.org, an online community offering volunteer opportunities to support women and girls. For more information on the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards and to apply, visit here.
Collaborative to Meet October 3
Please mark your calendars and join us Thursday, October 3 at 9:00 am. for our next San Diego North County Anti-Human Trafficking Collaborative Meeting. at United Methodist Church Community Room, at 490 S. Melrose, Vista, CA in their upper level community room. The event is free to the public and complimentary coffee and pastries will be available.
Guest speaker will be Penny Harrington speaking on the topic, Influencing the Legislative Process. Harrington is a policy analyst who tracks legislation for several coalitions, including a statewide anti-human trafficking coalition.
Upcoming related events of note:
September 28, 2024 – Alabaster Jar Project Fundraiser. Info: AJP Gala
January 11, 2025 – Soroptimist Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Walk 10 am from United Methodist Church of Vista (UMC Vista). Speakers and information tables to be announced.
Panda Express Fundraiser Sept. 23
UPDATE:
Thanks to all who participated in this fundraiser! We made about $200 from orders that came in from California, Wisconsin, Illinois and Massachusetts! And thanks to those who didn’t order but chose to simply donate!
On September 23, 2024, our club teamed up with Panda Express to make a meaningful impact on the lives of women and girls. 28% of every online order placed on that date through pandaexpress.com or the Panda Express mobile app using code 925807 was donated to Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland.
How You Helped:
The money goes directly to our Service Fund to be given as educational grants to women who are struggling to support their families.
Get Involved:
Donate Directly: Couldn’t order on September 23? You can still contribute directly to Soroptimist of Vista & NCI by clicking DONATE WITHOUT ORDERING.
Visiting the London Soroptimists
by Jackie Huyck
Meeting the Club
During our recent trip to London and Paris, Paul and I were privileged to be able to attend a special event held August 15 by Soroptimist International of Greater London at the famous “Number 63” hotel.
The club is celebrating its 100th year and the event featured a talk given by Amelia Hawes, who did her University project on her Great Great Aunt Elizabeth Hawes, MBE (Bess), who was a founding member of the Greater London Soroptimists. Paul and I met many of the London club Soroptimists as well as members from other nearby clubs. We learned about Elizabeth Hawes’ inspiring life and the early years of Soroptimist in London. We viewed the gorgeous hardbound book Amelia produced, full of her artful photographs of club members and vintage photos of her family. We were treated to drinks and delicious appetizers, plus a raffle was held to raise funds for the club’s charities.
Possessing no cash of the British variety, I was fronted some raffle tickets by a generous club member and came away winning several items! Paul and I were welcomed as guests from “across the pond.” We had a group photo taken in front of the iconic window in the lobby. It was truly a highlight of our four days in London!
About Elizabeth Hawes and Amelia Hawes
Elizabeth Hawes was a remarkable woman who devoted her life to helping others throughout her 42 years as a Soroptimist. Her volunteer work during World War II included sponsoring the Vienna Soroptimists to escape from Nazi occupation. The 1938 Atlantic City SIA Convention, held in New Jersey, USA, took place during Elizabeth’s SIGBI Presidency and she of course attended. By the time of that Convention there were 11,389 members in 191 clubs in 13 countries. To draw the Federations closer together, the Constitution was amended to provide for an International Liaison Secretary, and Elizabeth Hawes was appointed. She established avenues of friendship that were to be of great value in the war-shadowed years ahead. There would not be another Soroptimist Convention for a decade.
As the storm clouds gathered in 1939, the British Federation of Soroptimists embarked on rescuing members of the Vienna Soroptimist Club and their families, who were threatened by the Nazi regime. Negotiations took place with the British Home Office, and since each refugee had to be sponsored by someone in England, Elizabeth Hawes did much of the work. Eventually over 30 refugees arrived in England.
Under Elizabeth’s leadership, Soroptimists made themselves responsible for the refugees and subsequently arranged their safe passage to the United States, where these brave women were helped by American Soroptimists. Elizabeth Hawes was personally responsible for shipping parcels of aid from Soroptimists in the UK and the USA to stricken cities throughout Europe. How Elizabeth managed to maintain contacts with Soroptimists in occupied Europe no one will ever know, but it is certain that she had her own “underground network” of brave women throughout Europe during those dark and dangerous days.
Her work from this time was acknowledged by being awarded an M.B.E. in 1946. M.B.E. stands for “Member of the Order of the British Empire” and is awarded by no less than the Queen (or now, the King) for an outstanding achievement or service to the community.
In 1952, the London Soroptimists worked alongside the Save the Children Fund to open a play center in the London borough of Islington for underprivileged children, which was named “Elizabeth House” to acknowledge her efforts. Elizabeth was also one of the first women to be a trained optician, and this led to her work as a fellow director within the family business, Alfred Hawes and Son, dispensing opticians.
Amelia Hawe’s book aims to celebrate her Great Great Aunt’s life, the contributions she made to society and the people she supported. Amelia, an accomplished photographer, decided to present this information to audiences through a series of editorials and documentary-style photography. “The initial inspiration for this project was the discovery of 47 rolls of cine film that Elizabeth had recorded, dating back to the 1930s and 1940s,” wrote Amelia, who was then able to rescue the fragile film and have it digitized. “I believe it’s important to continue to honour these women and the contributions they made to our society and not let their achievements be forgotten,” she said.
Elizabeth Hawes died in 1966, having given 42 years of devoted service to Soroptimist International. A photograph of Elizabeth Hawes standing in her lovely garden continues to hang on the wall in the entrance hallway at the Number 63 hotel.
While only a few hard copies of Amelia’s book were printed, you can view some of the pages online at https://www.ameliahawes.photography/elizabeth-hawes
About Hotel 63
Number 63 (Soroptimist) Limited is a Company registered under the Co-operative and Community and Benefit Societies Act 2014 which owns Number 63, at Bayswater Road, London. The property was purchased by members of Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland in 1948, and all Shareholders in the Company are members of Soroptimist International. The Company is managed by a Board of Directors, all of whom are volunteers, elected from among the Shareholders.
Initially operated as a Residential Club and Headquarters for the Soroptimist Organisation, “Hotel 63 Limited” was set up in 2021 as its trading arm to manage the hotel function. Hotel 63 is managed by a General Manager and team of staff. It is a lovely hotel near Kensington Gardens that welcomes everyone – especially Soroptimists – to enjoy a comfortable stay including Continental Breakfast.
For more information visit their website: https://number63.co.uk/
Amelia Hawes during her presentation to the club.
Elizabeth Hawes
SIGL club’s enamel-on-metal presidential insignia designed and made by artist member and suffragette Mrs Ernestine Mills, is of a sturdy sapling tree destined to grow strong. Mills’s original batch of British Arts & Crafts, enamel-on-metal Past-President badges, depict a fruiting orange tree symbolizing generosity – Soroptimist service towards helping women and girls achieve their aspirations locally, nationally, and internationally. SIGL insignia design & execution © artist Ernestine Mills; Photography © David Cockroft Copyright executor V. Irene Cockroft
Group Photo at No. 63
Posing with some members of the London Soroptimists in the lobby of Number 63. I’m second from right, between Molly and Edith. The club president, Yemisi, is in the orange dress. I told them if any of them visit California to look us up!
71st Installation of Officers
June 21, 2024–SI Vista NCI installed our club’s new board on Friday, June 21st at a luncheon at The Mining Company in San Marcos. Outgoing President Thoralinda Soyland welcomed all guests, and Sherry Luz led the Soroptimist Pledge and Inspiration. Guests in attendance from our Region included Governor Bonnie Mendenhall, outgoing Region Governor Pat Whitacre, District III Director Terry Welter, and Region Secretary Lynn Flanagan. President Thora gave a review of our past year’s accomplishments, and member Katie Melendez presented her with a Proclamation by the City of Vista making June 21 “Thoralinda Soyland Day.” Incoming President Susan Roncone then gave her speech and her theme for the coming year is “We Don’t Hesitate, We Simply Advocate!” Our board members for 2024-2025 are:
President: Susan Roncone
Vice President: Runa Gunnars
Director: Karen Thompson
Delegates: Allison Temples and Jackie Huyck (alternate)
Soroptimists Help 5 Women Live Their Dreams
VISTA, California, April 2, 2024—Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland presented $14,000 in Live Your Dream Education and Training Awards to five local women to invest in their education and help create a better life for themselves and their families. Criselda Martinez-Jimenez of Vista received the top award of $5,000. Speaking at the club’s annual “Live Your Dream” Awards Luncheon on March 16, Criselda spoke eloquently of her struggles growing up of becoming a widow with two young children to raise. Currenting attending Cal State San Marcos, she eventually hopes to become a Physician Assistant.
Four other women received awards of between $2,000 and $3,000 each. Some recipients did not want their full names and/or photos published for privacy reasons. All of them have overcome significant obstacles like poverty, homelessness, domestic and/or substance abuse, and dysfunctional upbringings. Awardee Briana Hernandez is juggling attending courses at MiraCosta College with raising 5 children, the youngest of whom has significant health issues. Her dream is to get her nursing degree and become a licensed midwife. Another awardee, Ginger D., read a poignant poem she wrote about her challenges. Recipient Leontia called her award “a beacon of hope to help me achieve the dream that once seemed unattainable.” Single mom of two daughters, Leontia’s dream is to become a Registered Nurse. “This award isn’t just about fulfilling my dreams,” she said. “It’s about showing my daughters the power of perseverance and the value of education.”
In addition to providing the primary financial support for their families, all award applicants must be enrolled in, or have been accepted to, a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program and must demonstrate financial need. Recipients may use the cash award to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education or enhance their skills, such as books, child or dependent care, tuition and transportation. Non-Soroptimist volunteers from the community are chosen to review the applications and recommend the awardees. Those not chosen this year were given gift cards and urged to apply again next year.
Since 1972 Soroptimist clubs around the world have awarded approximately $41 million to more than 41,000 women, many of whom have overcome enormous obstacles including poverty, domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, and addiction. Since 2012, the Vista club has invested over $120,000 in the dreams of 40 women through the program.
A registered charity, the club raises funds for these awards through fundraising activities throughout the year. New members are always welcome. The next fundraiser is in May. For more information visit: soroptimistvista.org.
Awardee Ginger D. with her award. Ginger read a poem about her experiences that had the audience in tears. She gave us permission to print the poem; it is below:
Ginger’s Poem
10 years of turmoil
She held onto hope
Only to constantly feel like a dope
Why would you stay with someone who hates
Who never sees her and only wants his way
There was good but much more bad
Lack of understanding
So much sad
She tried and she tried
She fought a good fight
To stay in and make it work
But he really was a jerk
A jekel and hyde
He didn’t want her by his side
But under his thrown he created in his mind
So fragile and broken
So strong but so weak
He couldn’t turn the other cheek
Or walk away
No he had to sway
Everyone around him to get his way
Whether Good or bad he didn’t care
She was caught in his snare
It’s so sad he didn’t know
All he had to do was let go and grow
Believing it was right
She was doing what she was supposed to do
She kept pushing through
Until the light started poking in
To shine truth upon them
This wasn’t love
Not how it’s meant to be
No more darkness
Now she can see
She betrayed herself when she chose to stay
And try to make it another day
She sought wise counsel in so many ways
She slowly died it wasn’t a craze
It was long and painful
Mind numbing she was overthrown
With too much thinking that never left her alone
Why can’t he agree to disagree respectfully
I let you be you
Let me be me
Smack
that was it
She knew in an instant It was through
the line was crossed
It was time to do something new
She wasn’t prepared but she had an idea
Just one step at a time
Steady
following a straight line
It wasn’t so straight
It was a roller coaster ride
She held on tight
Something was growing from deep inside
The road rose to meet her and bring by her side
Everything she needed
as she let go of any pride
With so much gratitude
That’s the right attitude
It’s carried you this far
and given you strength
You’re a bright star
If even only in your own head
It motivates and awakens
the dead- Parts of your soul
That He slowly chipped away
But now you look forward to another day
Of building your dreams and making things happen
Through returning to the freedom of who you are
Never looking back
Follow the northern star
It will guide your path
As you continue to grow
Let love show-
you the way
One step at a time
Day by day
You’re being molded like clay
Into who you’re meant to be
By the ultimate love and energy
of the creator of earth
It’s resting in this you’ll know your worth
More precious than rubies
Or diamonds or gold
No longer believing the lies you were told
You are a gift and just as valuable as any other
For we all come from a mother
Equal in the eyes of the creator
Now it’s up to her to stay the course
And keep going forward
It’s the only way
Her priorities are straight
She cannot wait to enjoy her fate
Through perseverance and hard work
She doesn’t need a prince
She’s rescued herself and those she loves most
With strength and guidance from above
And the kindness of strangers
Who have made a way
For all those who had gone astray
From themselves
Lost in someone else
To lend a helping hand
As they learn to stand
On their own two feet again
What a ride
So grateful to feel
The bliss inside
Now out of the ditches
From internal rags to riches
Climbing the mountain
One step at a time
To all who’ve gone before
And those who are yet to come
Don’t give up
It’s not fluff
One day you’ll realize
You’ve always been ENOUGH
“Bunco de Mayo” Fundraiser
May 4, 2024–Our big fundraiser of the year was “Bunco de Mayo” at the Vista Senior Center. A good time was had by all and we’ll add the profits to our Service Fund to be donated next year. Thanks to all who came and all who helped make it a success!