Trenton & Downriver Area Soroptimists' Installation Ceremony

Four recent members and the new board of directors, as well as the “Soroptimist of the Year,” were feted at the annual installation and induction ceremony on June 18 at Whiskey’s on the Water in Wyandotte. Some of the members received their milestone anniversary pins to commemorate their years of membership. The theme of the ceremony was “Her Foot Forward."

The evening celebration began with President Mary Pilon welcoming all with an invocation. Audrey Jarvey, Midwestern Region Governor, installed the board of directors: Vice-president Fallon Belisle, Secretary Kim Stoddart, Treasurer Chris Speedie, Assistant-treasurer Lisa Clark; and directors Linda Crisi, Leann Hedke, and Janelle Rose. Gail Hutra, Midwestern Region District III Director-elect, inducted new members Brianna Becraft, Alicia Kittle, Carmen Mitchell, and Jenneatta Mitchell.

Three members received their five-year anniversary pins: Fallon Belisle, Janelle Rose, and Catherine Russell. Karen Priest received her ten-year pin, and Terry Morreau was awarded her forty-year membership anniversary pin.

Special recognition is given to a new member who starts off her membership by jumping into events and activities; Lisa Clark is the “Rookie of the Year.” The “Key Member of the Year” is Janelle Rose for taking on a director position and manning the Soroptimist Facebook page, as well as always volunteering to help. Last year’s winner, Fallon Belisle presented our most important award, the “Soroptimist of the Year,” to Mary Pilon for taking on the president’s role with great enthusiasm and with many, many novel ideas. In turn, Fallon was given a plaque to commemorate her achievement as last year’s recipient.

Several Midwestern Soroptimists were also in attendance: Governor-elect Ruth Waggoner; Vivian Walczesky, Soroptimist International of the Americas Director; Laura Ferguson and Karen Keir, members of the Midwestern Region board of directors; Priscilla Hutra, Midwestern District III Secretary; and Kellie Klingel, President of Soroptimist International of Flat Rock.

At an earlier meeting, Theresa Bizoe, Director of Philanthropy and Capital Projects for First Step was presented with a $15, 000 check for a client laundry room and a staff laundry room to be constructed at the newly renovated Detroit shelter. The First Step Philanthropy Award was given to the Downriver Soroptimists for their continued support through monetary and clothing donations and for their volunteer work in their women’s domestic assault shelter. Since 1978, First Step is the only non-profit agency in out-Wayne County providing comprehensive services for victims of domestic and sexual violence. The Soroptimists have also built and stained shelving in the new storage facility adjoining the Pet Shelter at First Step and have provided needed and fun services to women and their children.

Trenton and Downriver Area 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 “Save the Girls” motorcycle ride, “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 Trenton and 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 Trenton and Downriver Area 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 Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimists and our other activities, contact us at sioftrentonanddownriverarea@gmail.com or check out our page on Facebook@SoroptimistInternationalOfTrentonAndDownriverArea.