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With a theme of “Putting our Hearts into Emplowering women & Girls,” Soroptimist International of Vacaville celebrated a room full of women and handed out thousands of dollars in in the process, during its annual awards banquet.
Receiving the “You Make a Difference” award for outstanding community service was Ellie Cheechov, a longtime Soroptimist who has spent a lifetime serving others.
Local high school student Melany Millor Rodriguez earned the Violet Richardson Award, named after the organization’s founding president.
Rodriguez was presented $1,500 for her outstanding community service, and another check was donated to the charity of her choice: Vacaville Aware Coalition, a community coalition that meets monthly to discuss and implement strategies and programs to reduce the rate of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use among Vacaville teens.
Nine women earned Live Your Dream Awards, which provide funds to help them complete their education or further their career goals.
Top winner was Tinisha Hubert, was unable to attend the gathering but will receive $2,500.
Lilyanna Vargas received $1,500 to help her as she works on becoming a registered nurse. She has two children and currently works as an Licensed Vocational Nurse but is working toward her R.N degree.
The other nine recipients were presented $1,000 checks at earlier meetings of the Soroptimist club.
Soroptimists also took time to honor their own during the meeting. Club members Jacqueline DeVries and Dawn Shepherd were presented with second level Fellowship awards by Soroptimist District 2 Fellowship Director Kay Kelley.
Soroptimist Lenora Fuller honored members celebrating special anniversaries.
In addition, Opportunity House Executive Director Ashley Banta opened the event talking to the women about the important work they do in building up women and girls and sharing what a difference the support and encouragement of women can have on a life.
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