Soroptimist Fundraiser Brings Fashion, Supports Women

Around 250 people gathered at the Moreno Valley Senior Center to support the 27th annual Soroptimist International Fashion Show and Tea. The event was held on Saturday afternoon, March 14, and is the organization's largest fundraiser of the year. According to the Soroptimist website, “Soroptimist International is a global women’s organization… the organization is particularly concerned with providing women and girls access to education, as this is the most effective path to self-determination.” One of the speakers of the organization, Ruth Salley, shared with the guests that the group is “helping individuals through (their) support of the senior center, rape crisis center, the police department, the child abuse and neglect center.” Additionally,Salley stated that the organization offers a scholarship to “women that are the head of the household, either single or married, and going back to school to continue their education.” Event-goer Sami Marty shared that she attended Saturday's event because she liked the causes for which the Soroptimists fundraise. “They help women and children, and they’ve helped me out a lot,” Marty said. Something new the group is incorporating this year is a program designed to help mentor girls, ages 14 to 18. Salley explained the intention of the group is to help young ladies believe that “if they can dream it they can do it.” The fundraiser welcomed many donations, such as tickets to theme parks, and themed baskets with items related to said theme. One of the more popular raffles was called “flutterby," and included items such as a butterfly-themed photo album, a butterfly blanket, and other butterfly-themed goodies. The event-goers were given the opportunity to buy raffle tickets in the entrance so that they may bid on the prizes, which were donated by local sponsors who support the Soroptimist's causes. There were other raffles that were not put on display, such as the coveted massage from the Canyon Crest Spa, which Angela Niel won. As the models got ready backstage before the show started, event-goers had time to relax and have some tea with friends. Many chatted while volunteers helped pass out the snacks. Two of the volunteers, Liliana Casillas and Susan Navarete, shared that they were volunteering with another organization called Health Academy. Navarete explained that her dream is to become “a veterinarian.” However, this was not the first time the Soroptimists helped launch a career; the group also welcomed a newly published writer, 19-year-old Lauren Smith, who shared her success story and thanked the group for their support when she was also just a volunteer. When the first models stepped onto the runway everyone was excited to see what was in store for them that afternoon. The models started off with their casual look and event-goers seemed very pleased with the choice in attire. It was a very relaxed event and a couple of models made the effort to make the crowds laugh and giggle at their “stylish” walks. There were also couples outfits which many agreed were the highlights of the show. As the end of the fashion show marked the end of Saturday's fundraising event, many attendees left with prizes in hand and many donations made to the Soroptimist group to help further their goal of supporting local women.