Soroptimists hand out scholarships

The local nonprofit organization grants scholarships each year aimed at supporting women's pursuits to better their lives.
 
"Soroptimist is a service organization - women helping women and girls. That is our goal," said Nancy Ramsey, local president. "For us to be able to contribute these scholarships makes everyone feel wonderful - the whole club. We have 31 active members from all walks of life and we come together and work very hard."
 
The scholarships for 2009 were recently given to four local women and three local nonprofit groups:
 
• Adrianna Magallon, Helene Thomas Bennett Scholarship
 
• Heather Berry, Women’s Opportunity Award
 
• Rene Sonoqui, Making a Difference for Women Award
 
• Rachel Land, Violet Richardson Scholarship
 
• Safe House (Catholic Community Services)
 
• Crossroads Mission
 
• Harmony House
 
"They just seem to be working to better life for everyone," Ramsey said of the recipients.
 
Soroptimist International of Yuma formed in 1957. Most of the scholarships given out in recent years have been around since the beginning.
 
"We have been doing this for quite a long time," Ramsey said proudly.
 
The scholarships typically range in size from $1,000 to $2,000. The women's organization solicits applications each year, then has a panel of judges pick the winners.
 
Ramsey explained that the group greatly increased its fundraising for scholarships when members created their now-popular Celebrity Chef event. The special evening of dinner and discussion has brought top-notch chefs to Yuma who have been cooked for the stars in Hollywood and beyond.
 
"Before Celebrity Chef, we were lucky to give $5,000-$6,000," the Soroptimist president said.
 
Last year, scholarships worth $22,800 were given to the community.