Imagine being able to join a world-wide network with thousands of women around the globe, and supporting women and girls right here in Auburn to achieve life-changing economic empowerment through education.
Soroptimist International of Auburn does all that and more, while providing women an opportunity for friendship, community service and personal growth.
For 77 years, Soroptimist International of Auburn has been dedicated to ensuring that women and girls in the community have access to education, leading to economic empowerment. A global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment, Soroptimist works to make a lasting impact both locally and worldwide.
“One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a member is the friendships and support network we build,” says current club President Donna Ronca, who has been a Soroptimist for nearly 40 years.
“It’s also about being a positive impact for people – helping women and girls get to where they need to go in their education journey.”
One of the key ways Soroptimist International of Auburn facilitates this is through their Live Your Dream awards program. This initiative provides financial assistance to women who are the primary earners for their families and are returning to school or job training. The Auburn club grants between $2,000 and $4,000 annually to recipients, with the potential for additional funding at regional and national levels.
In fact, Soroptimists International has granted more than $41 million in education awards to 41,000 women worldwide.
In addition to the Live Your Dream Awards and Dream It, Be It programs, the Soroptimists offer several other initiatives to support women and girls in the community:
Shelter for Sisters: This partnership with The Auburn Food Bank assists women by offering emergency funding for relocation expenses, transportation or childcare needs and other urgent concerns, helping them establish a safer living environment.
Community Support: The club provides both financial assistance and volunteer services to local organizations, addressing various needs within the Auburn area.
To fund these vital programs, Soroptimist International of Auburn hosts its annual Crab Fest, the organization’s primary fundraiser. The 2025 Crab Fest is scheduled for Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the Auburn Community & Event Center.
All proceeds from the Crab Fest directly support the club’s programs and services and tickets can be purchased at www.siauburn.org.
“In a given year, our club distributes around $25,000 in funding to support women and girls,” Ronca added. “Every dollar raised at Crab Fest and other initiatives goes directly back into the community.”
Soroptimist International of Auburn is always looking for new members who share their passion for empowering women and girls through education. Whether you want to volunteer, donate, or become a member, you can learn more at www.siauburn.org or by emailing president@siauburn.org.
