Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe holds annual awards luncheon

Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe recently held their annual awards program that honor women for their volunteer efforts in the community. President Pam Barrett welcomed members, guests and awardees. Mistress of Ceremonies was Ellen Camacho.

The Live Your Dream Award is one of Soroptimist's main programs. Live Your Dream Awards give women the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects. Applicants must be women who provide the primary financial support for their families and who are enrolled in, or have been accepted into, a vocational/skills training program or undergraduate degree program. Recipients at the Club level are eligible to receive a region-level award. This year's awardee was Kimberly Barnett Burton who was introduced by Roberta Mason. Kimberly is a single parent working toward her Bachelor's degree at Lake Tahoe Community College.

The G.I.V.E. Award honors young women in middle school or high school whose volunteer efforts include: helping other disadvantaged girls; fighting drugs, crime and violence; cleaning up the environment and working to end discrimination and poverty. This years' awardees included Riana Bindel, who volunteered at Tahoe Arts Project and was introduced by TAP Executive Director Peggy Blowney. Almalyzia Ramirez-Tapia volunteered at the Lake Tahoe Marathon and was introduced by Mike Connolly. Cali Schaefer who did her volunteer service at the Boys and Girls Club. She was introduced by Ali Messina.

The Ruby Award for Women Helping Women honors women who have worked to improve the lives of women and girls through their professional and/or volunteer work. Club recipients become eligible to receive a region-level award. Cindy Archer nominated Carol Gerard. Carol has been the volunteer director of Bread and Broth for 30 years. Gerard thanked the Club for their volunteer support and monetary donations over the years.

Names for the photo above: Left to Right - Kimberly Barnett Burton, Cali Schaefer, Riana Bindel, Almalyzia Ramirez-Tapia and Carol Gerard