SI FC announces events and celebrates the joy of our Soroptimist successes on this blog. Welcome!

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

SIFC Kicks off 2015-16 Year

President Cheryl invites you to join her in efforts to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.

Business Meetings are held on the 1st Tuesday of each month, 6:30 pm, Allnutt Community Center.

Program Meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, 6:30 pm, Marriott Fort Collins.

SIFC thrives as a result of a healthy combination of fundraising, membership, program and public awareness. How will you help?

SIFC has a new website. Find us at http://sifortcollins.weebly.com
Contact us by email via sifortcollins@hotmail.com

Friday, July 10, 2015

Book Sale and Beyond...SIFC Efforts from April into July


SIFC found April into July to be a whirlwind "quarter" for accomplishing the Soroptimist mission through program, membership, fundraising, and public awareness. Check out a few of SIFC’s highlights, below,

Fundraising and Environmental Stewardship:


AAUW/SIFC Used Book Sale SIFC and AAUW-Fort Collins Chapter marketed good-quality, used books during the nonprofits’ annual Used Book Sale. 

Service funds were raised while keeping gently used books out of the landfill.



All books were recycled through the sale, donations to needy, and/or environmentally friendly means.



Financial Grants to Partners:
Soroptimist of Fort Collins' shared service funds with some deserving partners.

Grants were presented to:
Michele Kane - Hearts & Horses’ Women’s Warrior Project (upper right)
binh rybacki—Children of Peace, International (below, left)
Jennifer Jones - SAVA Young Women's Support Group (below, center)
Melissa Schaefer - PSD Teen Parent Program (below, right)


Leadership Transition and Recognition:
Installation of 2015-16 Board and presentation of SIFC's 2015 Spirit of Soroptimist.
2015-16's Rhythm Band Board
President Cheryl, Vice-president Sally, Secretary Paula, Treasurer Judy, Directors Pat and Abby
Life is Music.  Music is Life.  Every aspect of life can be idealized in music.  Music can be heard in the swishing sound of pine trees, in the lapping of the ocean waves, in the rustling of leaves, in the songs of birds and in the laughter of children.  As incoming officers for the coming year, you should explore melodies that will vibrate all over our community touching the lives of those around you and those who are far away.

Below left:  President Cheryl thanks 2014-15 President JD
Below right:  Peggy and Judy present Donna as SIFC's 2015 Spirit of Soroptimist

















Awareness, Advocacy and Action:
Efforts to prevent violence against women and girls

Dignity Dresses for Girls in Vietnam
During the 2010-11 club year, SI of Fort Collins members learned that, “Young girls are less apt to be raped when wearing dresses; In many cultures dresses indicate a level of status and thus security through dignity.” Many girls in underprivileged living environments have access to only minimal clothing. SIFChas an international service goal to provide an element of dignity for underprivileged girls and thus lesson the potential for domestic violence by crafting simple dresses. 

Every Dignity Dress crafted by SIFC is bright and colorful, has a pocket and decorative button and/or bow.



Dignity dresses are hand delivered to Vietnamese orphans by Children of Peace, International's binh rybacki.

Walking in the Loveland Liberty 5K
Soroptimists Lucinda, Carolyn, Ann, binh, JD, Kay, Amber, Peggy, Paula, Gloria, and Judy walked in the Loveland Liberty 5K! Money raised in the event will be used to help Life for the Innocent's domestic initiative to rescue, restore and renew those affected by human trafficking.



Sunday, March 15, 2015

AAUW/SIFC Used Book Sale Scheduled March 27-29

-50th Annual Fundraiser Recycles Gently Used Books for Great Causes-
The 2015 AAUW/Soroptimist Used Book Sale will be held at 1630 South Lemay (Units 7 & 8) in Fort Collins from March 27 through March 29. 
Community members are invited to shop for good-quality, used books during the nonprofits’ annual event. The sale will be open to the general public: 
  • Friday, March 27: 8 am-7 pm; 
  • Saturday, March 28: 9 am–6 pm; and 
  • Sunday, March 29: 11 am–5 pm. 

Service funds are raised while keeping gently used books out of the landfill.  All books are recycled through the sale, donations to needy, or environmentally friendly means. Proceeds of the AAUW/Soroptimist Used Book Sale support numerous local and global educational projects benefiting women and girls.  

The AAUW/Soroptimist Used Book Sale has become a well known local event. “We depend on the generous donations of the community to make this event a reality,” said co-chair Mary Robinson.  Private donors throughout northern Colorado join Old Firehouse Books in donating gently used books throughout the year. “Our customers complement us on the quality of our sale, the quality of our sorting, and the abundant selection of gently used books we market.” Organizers estimate that they will sort nearly 40,000 books by sale date.

This will be the 50th annual book sale for AAUW and the 25th annual for SIFC. Soroptimist International of Fort Collins and the American Association of University Women (www.fortnet.org/aauw) Fort Collins Branch have successfully collaborated on an annual Used Book Sale since 1993. In recent years AAUW and Soroptimist netted nearly $20,000 during the 3 day weekend, with proceeds going to scholarships and ongoing service projects.

For information about the fundraiser, to volunteer, or to donate books—call Margaret at 970-482-8210, or Mary at 970-227-1398.