We've moved! 

Look for news about what Soroptimist International of Hood River is up to at our new website: www.SoroptimistHoodRiver.com !

LUNAFEST 2012

Lunafest, sponsored by Soroptimist International of Hood River, returns for another year; screenings are at 7pm Wednesday, March 7, and Thursday, March 8, at the Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River. Don't miss these all new, amazing films by, for and about women. Tickets are available at the door.

About Lunafest

LUNAFEST is a national traveling festival of award winning short films by, for, and about women. Filled with stories of reflection and whimsy, hope and humor, grace and perseverance, LUNAFEST’s award-winning films are renowned for celebrating the talents and stories of women.

11th Annual National Touring Film Festival Supports Female Artists and Woman's Issues

With a vision of uniting women through film, LUNAFEST was established in 2000 by LUNA, the makers of the Whole Nutrition Bar for Women, to simultaneously promote women filmmakers, raise awareness for women’s issues, and support worthy women’s nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Soroptimist International of Hood River is part of a worldwide organization for women in management and the professions, and is a global voice for women through awareness, advocacy and action.

Women of Distinction 2011: Winners Announced!

Cathy Carter and Elizabeth Garber are the 2011 winners of the Soroptimist International of Hood River’s Women of Distinction Award. Each year since 1975, SIHR has worked with community organizations to honor women whose work in a professional or volunteer capacity makes a significant difference in the quality of life in our community.

The awards luncheon will be held on Wednesday, November 2nd from 11:30- 1pm at the Gorge Room at the Best Western Hood River Inn. Tickets for the luncheon are $18 each and available at Waucoma Bookstore.

Cathy Carter grew up in Hood River and has been involved in planning many philanthropic events. Presently she is the Executive Director for Heart of Hospice Foundation. Since 1997 Carter has also been the founder and Principal Organizer of the Fashion Show Gala which benefits the Christmas Project. She volunteers at area schools and has organized the YoHoHs--- Youth of Heart of Hospices, a high school group, whose goal is to bring joy and comfort into the daily lives of hospice patients. Carter also organized the Peg Lalor Rocks party to benefit of Gorge Games founder Peg Lalor after her injury.

Cathy Carter is a creative thinker and has great insight when it comes to marketing and fundraising. But more importantly, people respond to her enthusiasm, passion and sincerity,’ said Jodi Goatcher, Executive Director of Heart of Hospice.

Elizabeth Garber has been an active and continuous community volunteer since the 1970s. She is a founding member of the Columbia Art Gallery as well as the Friends of the Hood River County Library. She has been President of both organizations and continues to be involved as an active volunteer. She was also the first treasurer of the Hood River County Library Foundation serving during the five years of the ‘Millennium Project’, the library building expansion. During that time, Garber accounted for the $1 million raised by private fundraising and grants to support that project. A passionate quilter, Garber has used her skills to raise funds for her causes. She is now serving as President of Columbia River Gorge Quilt Guild, a new organization of the quilters in the six area counties.

Elizabeth Garber brings all her intelligence, heart and skills to any project she undertakes," said June Knudson, retired Library Director. "And because of the way she honors those who work with her, many more are willing to get involved and help her."

Women's Opportunity Awards

Are you a single mom? Or the primary financial provider of your family? Enrolled in school or vocational training to better your life? In need of financial help to reach your goal?

Then you may be eligible for the Soroptimist Women's Opportunity Award: Five $1,000 cash awards! These awards are jointly sponsored by Soroptimist International of Hood River (SIHR) and Soroptimist International of Mt. Adams. (SIMA)

The Women's Opportunity Award is NOT a scholarship - it may be used for tuition, babysitters, gas or books. Hard copies of the application are available at the Hood River News front desk, Columbia Gorge Community College/Hood River Campus, the Hood River Library or the Whitson Elementary School in White Salmon OR you may download and print the six page application included with this post.

The deadline to submit applications is December 1, 2011. Send your completed application to SIHR, PO Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031 OR SIMA, PO Box 152, White Salmon, WA 98762.

Women of Distinction 2011

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Any woman who has distinguished herself in significant contribution to the quality of Hood River County’s community life is eligible. She must have been active for at least ten years in her endeavors, either as a professional or as a volunteer.

APPLICATIONS

Applications are available from Waucoma Bookstore, 212 Oak St, Hood River and attached to this blog post (above).

APPLICATION PROCESS

As you prepare your application, be sure to tell your nominee’s story both with examples and timelines so that the three judges, previous winners themselves, will be able to understand and compare your nominee’s qualifications against that of other nominees. List all activities that show her dedication, effectiveness, and vision. Letters of recommendation are limited to three.

WHO CAN NOMINATE? Either an individual or organization can nominate.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: SEPT. 28
Applications are due back no later than Wednesday, September 28, 5 PM. Mail completed application packets to: SIHR (Soroptimist International of Hood River), P.O. Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031.

NOTIFICATION OF WINNERS: OCT.5
Nominators and winners will be notified by Wednesday, October 5. Winners will need to be available for an appointment with SIHR photographer Oct. 6-12.

AWARD LUNCHEON: NOV. 2
The Women of Distinction Award Luncheon is Wednesday, November 2nd in the Gorge Room at the Best Western Hood River Inn. Tickets ($18 each) will be available beginning October 20th at Waucoma Bookstore.

QUESTIONS? Contact Suzanne Van Orman, 541.386.9290/ email: SVanor@aol.com

Wine, Women & WOW!

The BEST women's networking event is back at The Pines in Hood River this fall! Wine, Women and WOW is happening Sept. 28th, 5 pm - 7 pm and promises to be bigger and better than ever! More vendors, more opportunities to connect and forge new relationships with some of the most exciting women in the Gorge!

Vendors, reserve your space at this event by contacting mary@hoodriverredesign.com - see you there!

2011 Harvest Quilt

This year Soroptimist International of Hood River has been chosen as the sponsor of the annual Harvest Quilt Raffle and will be the beneficiary of the funds raised through the sale of raffle tickets. The quilt will be displayed at various locations - starting this First Friday at Waucoma Bookstore! - until the Harvest Fest, October 14th - 16th. All monies raised will directly benefit women and girls throughout the Gorge through the programs of SIHR. Raffle tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5.