Trenton & Downriver Area Soroptimists' Installation & Induction

On June 27, Soroptimist International of Trenton and Downriver Area held their installation and induction banquet at Brickhouse Brands in Wyandotte. The evening’s ceremony began with President Ann Peraino’s lovely invocation.

The celebration commenced with former Midwestern Region Governor Terry Morreau installing the new president, Mary Pilon, and directors Linda Crisi and Fallon Donovan. Terry continued with the induction of two new members: Lisa Clark and Dora Rodriguez.

New president Mary Pilon creatively “awarded” each member with a certificate that suited each person’s qualities and contribution to the club, amusingly with an appropriate movie title.

Membership chairperson Linda Crisis presented five-year membership certificates to Paetrah Collins, Ann Peraino, and Tessa Smith (Morgan Hudec and Barbara Saunders not present). Kim Stoddart received a certificate for ten years of membership, and Virginia “Gini” Lebold for forty years of membership.

President Ann Peraino presented Becky McNally the “Rookie of the Year” award for her willingness to jump into volunteering. Treasurer Chris Speedie was given the “Key Member” award for advising Ann with her president’s position and for all her diligence as treasurer and communication duties. Our most important award, the “Soroptimist of the Year,” was voted upon by all members and well deserved by Fallon Donovan. Fallon chaired the very successful golf outing, in addition to volunteering for many other club activities. Last year’s “Soroptimist of the Year,” Tessa Smith, was given a plaque to commemorate her honor.

Special recognition was given to membership chairperson, Linda Crisi, who at the Midwestern Region conference was awarded “Outstanding Soroptimist.” The Soroptimist Midwestern region encompasses twenty-six clubs in six states. Linda has served in almost every capacity in her time with the Venture Club starting in 1977 and Soroptimist in 1992. She has attended all region meetings and conferences (some international, as well), and within Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimists, has had perfect attendance to meetings. Linda has donated more than time; she personally and financially supplies the grand prizes for the fundraisers.

The Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimist organization meets on the first Wednesday of the month at the Woodhaven Community Center. All women are welcome to attend. You may contribute to the foundations that the Soroptimists support on krogercommunityrewards.com. If you are interested in learning more about the Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimists and our other activities, check out our page on Facebook@SoroptimistInternationalOfTrentonAndDownriverArea or sioftrentonanddownriverarea@gmail.com.