Downriver Soroptimists honor members

On June 17, Soroptimist International of Downriver held their installation and induction banquet at Biddle Hall in Wyandotte. The evening’s ceremony began with President Mary Pilon’s heartfelt invocation.

The celebration commenced with President Mary installing Catherine Infantado as a new director. Mary continued with the induction of four new members: Annie Sharkus, Rose Shuryan, Blair Stamper, and El Johnson.

Membership chairperson Linda Crisi presented a five-year membership certificate to Roni Drakos, Catherine Infantado received a certificate for ten years of membership, Sue Renaud for twenty-five years, and honored Donna Fickeisen and Mary Evans for forty years of membership.

President Mary Pilon presented the mother-daughter team, Carmen and Jenneatta Mitchell, the “Rookie of the Year” award for their dedication and skillset to add to Soroptimist. Our most important award, the “Soroptimist of the Year,” was voted upon by all members and well deserved by Lisa Clark for her commitment and service to Soroptimist. Lisa is the assistant treasurer who has spent her time in Soroptimist by attending all events and volunteering her time and many talents. Last year’s “Soroptimist of the Year,” Mary Pilon, was given a plaque to commemorate her honor.

Downriver Soroptimist is a volunteer group that offers service by way of fundraising and donations, public awareness/educational programs, and hands-on assistance; as well as presenting yearly monetary awards to individuals to help support and further their future. These women give their time and talents to local food pantries, Vista Maria, First Step, Sparrow Project, Stanford House, Alternatives for Girls, and to area women’s health institutions. They host annual charity fundraisers and programs such as the biennial “Battle for Freedom” avant garde runway hair and fashion charity gala, “Save the Girls” charity golf outing, and the “Dream It, Be It” program for adolescent girls.

You can help improve the lives of women and girls in the Downriver area and around the world by donating to Soroptimist International of Downriver. Your donation will help fund our service projects. This is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Make an online donation via Venmo or by sending a check to Soroptimist International of Downriver, 1644 Vernon, Trenton, MI 48183.

The Downriver Soroptimist organization meets at 6:30 P.M. on the first Wednesday of the month at the Woodhaven Community Center. All women are welcome to attend. You may contribute to the foundation that the Soroptimists support on krogercommunityrewards.com. If you are interested in learning more about Downriver Soroptimists and our other activities, contact us at siofdownriver@gmail.com or check out our page on Facebook@SoroptimistInternationalOfDownriver.