In the News 2024 - 2025
Soroptimist International of Klamath Falls met on March 13, 2025 for a beautiful luncheon to honor this year’s six Live Your Dream Award Program recipients. The event was an inspiring afternoon where Soroptimists and community members celebrated achievements and provided monetary gifts for six deserving head-of-household women who are working to improve their economic status by gaining additional skills, training, and education. A Live Your Dream Award of $2,000 each was awarded to Gabby Rascon and Jacklyn Flores, a $3,000 award to Kristalina Derry, and a $4,000 award to Melissa Kness. A Dream Investment Award of $2,000 went to Chey Hanover, and an Angel Award of $2,000 was awarded to Bethany Osborn.
Melissa Kness, who is completing an Anthropology degree (with a focus on archaeology and ethnic studies) at Oregon State University, states, “Life is full of challenges, but I am proud of myself for being a mother while continuing to work towards a better life.” Cheryl Matchett, Live Your Dream Award Chair, comments, “These recipients are tenacious champions who have faced many challenges. They have used their experiences as motivation to build and pursue their dreams and persevere in their journey to achieve them.”
Soroptimist International of Klamath Falls supports the dream that women and girls will have access to the education and training they need to reach their full potential and live out their dreams. Visit our Live Your Dream page if you know a woman who might be deserving of a Live Your Dream Award or work for an agency or school whose constituents would be interested in this program.
Soroptimist International of Klamath Falls invites you to experience one of the main reasons we work so hard to raise money for women and children. Our scholarship awards.
Please join us on March 13, 2025, 11:30 am to 1pm, at Oregon Institute of Technology, Mt Mazama/Mt Scott rooms in the College Union Building. $25 pp. Guest are invited.
Please check back for ticket purchase information.
Welcome to our newest fundraiser, Denim & Diamonds! Join us for a night of fun and glamour at Oregon Tech. Get ready to dance the night way in your favorite denim and sparkly diamonds. Featuring the fabulous music of The Glass Hearts Band and a delicious BBQ dinner included. There will be great door prizes, awesome raffle items, a lively auction and so much more! This in-person event promises to be a memorable evening filled with music, laughter and good company.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to support Soroptimist programs such as Live Your Dreams, Dream It Be It, and other local scholarships for women and girls.
Grab your friends on Saturday, April 5th, 5:30 pm to 9:30pm and head to the Oregon Tech Campus and prepare for a night to remember at Denim & Diamonds.
Click this link for more information and to purchase tickets.
Dream It, Be It targets girls in secondary school who face obstacles to their future success. It provides girls with access to professional role models, career education and resources to live their dreams. The topics covered include career opportunities, setting and achieving goals, overcoming obstacles to success and how to move forward after setbacks or failures.
By reaching girls while they are still young, we not only can help them stay healthy and safe in the short term, but we can reduce the number of women in crisis in the future. Putting them on a path will help them realize their dreams.
A few of our Soroptimist members spend a day together with high school girls who have signed up for the class, learning about setting and achieving goals, assessing various career paths and building plans for their future.
Announcing our 2025 Dream It, Be It class on Saturday, February 8th from 10 am to 4pm at Fisher Nicholson Realty, 403 Main Street. Lunch will be provided.
For more information contact Jenny Hamilton, jenny@opfa.com
Please join Soroptimist International of Klamath Falls and Premier Event Sponsors, Team Ricketts at Summit Funding and Jill Russel EXP Realty at the Running Y Ranch Resort Convention Center on November 15, 2024, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, for Jingle & Mingle, a beautiful luncheon and auction full of holiday inspiration and giving! This event is Soroptimist’s major fundraiser that consists of a luncheon, a raffle, a silent and live auction. Tickets and the auction site can be accessed by clicking here.
Monies raised at this festive function and auction go to supporting the dream that women and girls have access to the education and training they need to reach their full potential and live out all of their dreams.
Applications are now being accepted for the Live Your Dream Award. This award aids women seeking to improve their economic status by gaining additional skills, training and education. Women must be head of their households and must enter or return to the workforce or improve their employment status in order to support themselves and their families. Eligible applicants can submit their application between August and November 15, 2024.
Visit the Live Your Dream Award website page for more information. Apply here.
In the News 2023 - 2024
The Dream Investment Award is a part of the Soroptimist International of the America’s Big Goal Accelerator Project. The intention of this program is to provide access to education to women and girls who are facing obstacles, which will ultimately lead to economic empowerment.
This year Soroptimist International of Klamath Falls gave two “Dream Investor Awards” of $1,000 each to help with the costs of education. The recipients were Tana Erickson, who is studying respiratory therapy and Chey Bristow, who is studying to be teacher.
Congratulations Tana and Chey!
Soroptimist International of Klamath Falls met on 03/21/24 for a beautiful luncheon to honor this year’s four recipients of the Live Your Dream Award. The event was an inspiring afternoon where Soroptimist and community members celebrated achievements and provided monetary gifts for four deserving head of household women who are working to improve their economic status by gaining additional skills, training and education. This year’s award winners included a $2,000 award each to Salem Bremer and Angela Lascola-Sorg, a $3,000 award to Lacey Holloway, and a $4,000 award to the family of Trinity Sanchez who had just earned her temporary license in radiology and was tragically killed in a car accident while returning from working an academic rotation in the Rogue Valley.
In accepting her award, Angela Lascola-Sorg indicated “I want to be light in the world. School is expensive and time consuming so having a program like yours to help with expenses is truly a blessing.”
Soroptimist International of Klamath Falls supports the dream that women and girls will have access to the education and training they need to reach their full potential and live out all of their dreams. They are a local club of an international nonprofit service organization that creates opportunities and inspires actions that transform the lives of women and children in our greater Klamath Basin community.
Please join Soroptimist International of Klamath Falls and Premier Event Sponsor Fisher Nicholson Realty LLC at the Running Y Resort Convention Center on December 8, 2023, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, for Gnome for the Holidays, a beautiful luncheon and auction full of holiday inspiration and giving! This event is Soroptimist’s major fundraiser that consists of a luncheon, a raffle, a silent and live auction. Tickets and the auction site can be accessed by clicking here or using the QR code below.
Monies raised at this festive function and auction go to supporting the dream that women and girls have access to the education and training they need to reach their full potential and live out all of their dreams.
Club Calendar of Meeting, September/October 2023
In the News 2022 - 2023
Soroptimist International of Klamath Falls and the Assistance League of Klamath Basin join together to collect kid friendly items for our local food bank. Soroptimist will be donating personal hygiene items in conjunction with food donations by the Assistance League.
The most needed hygiene items are:
- Deodorant
- Feminine hygiene products
- Full size soap and shampoos
Please bring donated items (in zip lock bags to protect them from food items) to Findables, 1330 East Main Street. Open Tuesday through Saturday 11-3.
Soroptimist participates in Downtown Third Thursday Event
Soroptimist International of Klamath Falls had an amazing time at the June Third Thursday event! We unveiled our new booth and had great conversations with the community over themed cupcakes. They were delicious! Soroptimist loves to support our community and we wanted to let everyone know about our club, and our programs for women and girls. Come see us at the next event on July 20! Downtown Klamath Falls!
Installation of Officers for 2023 - 2024
Meet your new officers:
- President Kimberly Kent
- President Elect Margot Durand
- Vice President Rebecca DeGroot
- Treasurer Susan Beach
- Assistant Treasurer Jenny Hamilton
- Recording Secretary Sherill Hooke
- Corresponding Secretary Michelle Wynne
- Board Members: Connie Werst, Cheryl Matchett, Sandi Dunn, Karri Mirande
- Delegate Kathy King
- Delegate Kay Von Tersch
- Parliamentarian Kathy King
Many thanks to Cheryl Matchett for presiding over the Installation of Officers
Soroptimist of the Year & Rookie of the Year
Each year Soroptimist of Klamath Falls recognizes the effort of a Club member who has demonstrated a strong commitment to our mission, focus or fund-raising efforts during the club year. This year we are delighted to announce SUSAN BEACH as Soroptimist of the Year, 2022-23.
Susan has been a member since 1994 and served as President in 2002. She has served in many roles within our club and as Treasurer this meeting year. Susan receives this award for going above and beyond her assigned duties and playing a role behind the scene in many of the clubs activities. Congratulations Susan!
Additionally our club added Rookie(s) of the Year for 2022-23. This honor goes to a new member for their instant dedication to the Soroptimist mission “Best for Women”. Award winners JENNY HAMILTON and REBECCA DEGROOT took the lead in our community service advocacy for education and human trafficking awareness. Congratulations Jenny and Rebecca!
Klamath Promise Graduation Sensation
Soroptimist International of Klamath Falls donated FIVE $2,000 scholarships, totaling nearly a quarter of the total amount given, to the Klamath Promise Graduation Sensation this year. Our scholarships were presented to some very impressive young women.
The Graduation Sensation took place in downtown Klamath Falls on June 1, 2023. Almost 700 graduating high school seniors from all 12 high schools across the Klamath Basin paraded in caps and gowns down Main Street. The Graduation Sensation includes awards for those going on to college, into the military, into the workforce, or who are undecided. This year 101 scholarships and gift cards totaling nearly 45,000 were announced.
Many thanks to our friends, supporters, donors and Soroptimist members who give freely of the money, time and talents to make these scholarship monies available. We are ALL working together to make dreams come true for women & girls.
Live Your Dream & Dream Investment Awardees
In honor of Women’s History month, four women from the Klamath Basin were awarded a total of $6,000 to aid them in pursuing their dreams.
Soroptimist’s are all about empowering women who are facing obstacles so they can continue their education. These awards are part of a movement fiercely dedicated to ensuring every woman and girl has the opportunity to reach her full potential, free from violence, and live her dreams.
Cheryl Matchett, chairman of the Live Your Dream Committee said the award recipients are women who have shared their stores of their struggles to achieve their goals. “They’ve all shared the obstacles they had to overcome, and they are often pretty significant”.
The recipients of this year’s Live Your Dream Award are Corissa Weaver, who will receive the top award of $2,500 and Katie Conteras and Kristian Hernandez, who have tied for second place and will receive $1,250 each.
New this year, The Dream Investment Award in the sum of $1,000 was given to Trinity Sanchez.
Many thanks to Cheryl Matchett and her committee, our friends, supporters, donors and Soroptimist members who have given their money, time and talents to make these awards come true.
We are ALL working together to make dreams come true for women & girls.
Live Your Dream & More Award Luncheon
Live Your Dream, Education & Training Awards for women, is a movement fiercely dedicated to ensuring every women and girl has the opportunity to reach her full potential, free from violence and live her dreams. We know education is the tool to achieving women’s social and economic empowerment. This is why Soroptimists invest more than $2.8 million in education grants to 1,700 women every year.
On March 17, 2023 Soroptimists of Klamath Falls and their friends will gather to celebrate the 2022/23 Live Your Dream Award recipients. This year’s first place recipient will receive $2,500, there was a tie for second place with each winner taking home $1,250. New this year is the Dream Investment Award with a $1,000 monetary award.
All the women supported through the Live Your Dream awards provide the primary financial support for their families while working towards a college degree or gaining skills through specialized training programs. Most of these women are also survivors who have overcome enormous adversity in their lives.
Many thanks to our friends, supporters, donors and members who have given their money, time and talents to make these awards come true.
We are ALL working together to make dreams come true for women & girls.
After a several year hiatus due to the COVID meeting restrictions, Soroptimist of Klamath Falls held a fun and successful in-person luncheon at the Running Y Juniper Hall. The festive function raised over $22,000 for our local service projects. These monies go to supporting the dream that women and girls have access to the education and training they need to reach their full potential and live out all of their dreams.
Our many thanks to Winema Electric as the Premier Event Sponsor and to all our guests and members who donated their money, time and talents to support our mission.
Soroptimist International of Klamath Falls hosted the 2022 Hot Chocolate Bar for the DHS annual breakfast with Santa for foster families and the public. Over 50 foster families and over 200 other attendees enjoyed hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, candy canes, chocolate chips and sprinkles. DHS employees spent hours decking the Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall and Mr and Mrs Santa was joined by The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who from Whoville. Pictured from L to R, members Cindy DeRosier, The Grinch, Val Gravelle, and President Elect Kimberly Kent.
Each year, Soroptimist clubs make Founders Pennies donations to celebrate the founding of our organization and support its global Dream Programs. Founders Pennies are a classic, time-honored tradition for clubs, and a creative way to help fund life changing programs. Founders Pennies help create a local and global relationship between Soroptimist clubs and members, and the women and girls who need our support.
Founders Pennies are used to fund the Live Your Dream Awards, Dream It, Be It, and other SIA programs that improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world. Founders Pennies represent approximately 10 percent of the total $1.7 million contributed to fund federation programs.
The tradition of giving pennies began in 1943. Clubs collected one penny for each year of Soroptimist’s existence and used the money to help re‐establish clubs in Europe that had disbanded as a result of pre‐World War II political conditions and the war itself. In 1946 the fund was renamed the Founders Fund. This fund provided international fellowships, scholarships and other awards to improve the status of women. Beginning in the 1960s, Founders Pennies began funding for the Youth Citizenship Awards, and now the Live Your Dream Awards.
Soroptimist of Klamath Falls continues to support the Founders Pennies campaign and has been recognized the Soroptimist International of the Americas for 2022 – 2023.
Please join Soroptimist International of Klamath Falls and Premier Event Sponsor Winema Electric at the Running Y Juniper Hall on 12/2/22 for a beautiful luncheon and auction full of holiday inspiration and giving! This event is Soroptimist’s major fundraiser that consists of a luncheon, a raffle, a silent and live auction. The auction site can be accessed by clicking here.
Tickets are now available online. Single tickets are $40.00, or you can buy a table for 8 for $320. Seating is limited to 120 persons and is anticipated to sell out quickly.
On the day of the event the live auction will include unique experiences, such as 4-night get away trip to Windsor, California wine country, a guided duck hunting trip, a unique B&B get away, a golfing package, a bocce ball experience, or other unique dining events. Or, if considering a new Traeger grill (donated by Diamond Home Improvement) or an e-Bike (various donors), be sure to attend. View All Live Auction items. Unable to attend but interested in Live Auction Items? Email Johanna (scholer@charter.net) by December 1 to arrange a proxy bid.
The silent auction provides great holiday gift ideas and will conlunchsist of a variety of creative and fun gift baskets and other items generously donated by businesses and individuals in our community. Silent auction online bidding starts November 25 and closes December 2. If you are unable to attend, you can view and bid on items on the Silent Auction Website.
Monies raised at this festive function and auction go to supporting the dream that women and girls have access to the education and training they need to reach their full potential and live out all of their dreams.
Contact Michelle Wynne michelle@klamathradio.org with questions or if you would like to be a Fulfilling Your Dreams $200 sponsor or silent auction donor.
Meet your 2022-2023, President Rachael Spoon
I started with SIKF in 2016 after having been asked to join by my long-time friend, Kristi Redd. Kristi and I have known one another since I was 14 years old! I went to school with and was and am still good friends with her daughters. I had heard for years about this group when Kristi asked me to join. It was always spoken of in such amazing terms: wonderful women, amazing fundraisers, memorable outings. I didn’t realize what the group actually did, but I was honored to be considered worthy of being part of this group!
What I found when I began coming to the meetings was a focus on an incredible cause – that of the betterment of women and children. The camaraderie I have felt from the group has been so very inspiring to me. Each week has provided a new speaker keeping us informed of the goings on around our great community, a chance to provide scholarships and awards to amazing people, and the chance to raise funds for those awards and scholarships. But one of the most important things I have taken away from our meetings is the kind words from Club members, the awesome stories about grandchildren, children, vacations, and substitute teaching.
The other very important things I have taken from this group are the amazing minds, hearts and abilities of the members. The way everyone pulls together for the fundraisers, and awards luncheons is very special. Even being on the board and following in Susan’s footsteps has been so rewarding for me. She has been so kind throughout this year by sharing her knowledge of our Club and making sure I have everything I need to continue its success. I know of no better way to gain mentorship as a professional woman and mother than to have access to all of you!
And because of all of this, I feel the best motto and my hope for all of us in this year as President is to “Be Inspired.” After the struggles that Covid brought in every facet of our lives and so much struggle for groups like ours, I thought that “Be Inspired” would remind us often to always be on the lookout for those things that inspire us. From our Service Committee being so bold as to begin a new “big project” to hot chocolate for foster children, to raising funds at our events, to bringing in new members to experience the amazing warmth and care this group provides – we have so much to look forward to!
- bring in new members
- Continue to give or find new ways to give of your time and talents to the best of your ability
- Be on the lookout for topics our Club should be apprised of
- Come every week to share in your fellow Soroptimist’s lives and to share your life!
My vision for the 2022-2023 year is that our inspiration brings us closer as a Club. Susan’s vision was reconnect this year and we will continue to follow her lead by hosting at least 2 major in-person fundraising events next year so we can raise the funds we needed to make a big impact in our beautiful community.
Becoming your President means a lot to me. I look forward to all we will be inspired to do together in the year to come.
Rachael
In the News 2022
Installation of Officers for 2022-23
“Join Hands & Heart, Be Inspired” was the theme for the 2022-2023 Installation of Officers Program. Kristi Redd installated the new officers at the May 19th meeting.
Meet your new officers:
President Rachael Spoon
President Elect Kimberly Kent
Vice President Cheryl Matchett
Treasurer Susan Beach
Assistant Treasurer Vonnie Powley
Recording Secretary Sandi Dunn
Corresponding Secretary Linda Moudry
Board Members: Terra Russo, Gwen Jones, Sherry Hooke and Michelle Wynne
Delegate Kay Von Tersch
Many thanks to Kristi and Deb Johnson for an inspiring Installation.
Live Your Dream Awardee Wins additional Northwestern Region Award
SIKF Live Your Dream First Place Winner, Carina Cobian was presented an additional $1,500 at the Northwesten Region Conference, April 2022
“My name is Carina Cobian. I am 32 years old and am a single mother of two; my daughter Zuliana is 15 years old and my son Ruben who is 11 years old. My parents came to the U.S.A. from Mexico to be able to provide a better future for their children. I was born and raised in Klamath Falls, Oregon. I am the middle child of five, I have two older sisters and two younger brothers. I graduated from Lost River Sr/Jr High school in Merrill, Oregon. I am currently a Senior in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Oregon Institute of Technology.
The hobbies I enjoy when I am not busy doing schoolwork consist of sports with my kids, they both play soccer, softball/baseball, basketball, football and volleyball. I also love to explore the outdoors, kayaking and hiking.”
Women's Scholarship Foundation of Klamath County
Soroptimist International of Klamath Falls donates scholarship dollars to the Miss Klamath County and Miss City of Sunshine Program. Their mission is to prepare great women for the world and to prepare the world for great women. Their success does not lie in the ability to create winners on stage but in the ability to nurture women from the inside out, young women who are champions in life.
Meet Miss Klamath County 2022, Anna Edwards and Miss City of Sunshine Allyssa Defillipo
New Member Induction
Soroptimist International of Klamath Falls welcomes three new members. Seated (L to R): Julie Levine, Sherry Hooke, and Amanda Blodgett.
WELCOME!
For the Love of Spring, Virtual Auction
Soroptimist International of Klamath Falls creates opportunities and inspires actions that transform the lives of women and children in our greater Klamath Basin. Our traditional annual Christmas Holiday Bazaar fundraiser has been postponed the last two years due to COVID19 restrictions. In lieu of this event we are raising funds through For The Love Of Spring a Virtual Auction. Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and graduations are all right around the corner so let us help make your shopping easy. Bidding will start on various auction items starting April 1st and ends April 8th at 8pm. Donations accepted through April 17th.
In the News 2019 - 2020
Totally 80's Dance Party, Spring Fundraiser
Soroptimist is pleased to announce the spring fundraiser, Totally 80’s Dance Party to be held on April 23rd, 5-9 pm at the Running Y Ranch Resort Conference Center. Music by Nephilim. No-host cocktails and plated dinner. Tickets: Single $40, Couple $75, table for 8 $75. Event to include dinner, dance, raffle items and dessert dash. RSVP to Kim Abel, 541.331.2239 OR Click here to purchase tickets
Breakfast with Santa, department of human services
Soroptimist International of Klamath Falls hosted the Hot Chocolate Bar for the DHS annual breakfast with Santa for foster families and the public. Over 50 foster families and 235 other attendees enjoyed hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, candy canes, chocolate chips and sprinkles. DHS employees spent hours decking the Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall and Mr and Mrs Santa was joined by The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who from Whoville. Pictured from L to R, President Elect Kim Abel, The Grinch, President Judy Phearson, Cindy Lou Who.
Christmas in the Pines Bazaar & Luncheon
Soroptimist International of Klamath Falls has announced the theme of the 2019 Holiday Bazaar. Christmas in the Pines Bazaar & Luncheon will be held December 12, 2019 starting at 10 am at the Running Y Ranch Resort’s Convention Center. This year the bazaar will include a silent auction, bake sale, oral auction and raffles. Tickets are available on line, please click here to purchase. Please contact Linda Moudry with any questions, 541.891.1660
S.I. Klamath Falls Wins Two Awards
At the District 2 meeting in Hood River, Oregon, S.I. Klamath Falls received two Northwestern Region Awards for our efforts to increase our organizations impact and for our contribution to support the mission of Soroptimist International of the Americas.
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