April 2022 Loomis Soroptimist Newsletter

Check out our April Newsletter: Soroptimist Loomis – Newsletter – April 2022

Soroptimist International of Loomis Basin
April 2022

Exciting New Tostada Bingo Coming May 14

After several COVID delays, the club voted to once again hold the Tostada Bingo fundraiser on May 14. It will be held in the Blue Goose this year and the club is planning lots of new elements to refresh the club’s famous fundraiser. Thanks to Toni for creating the fun new flyer.

Start promoting this fun, family-friendly night out to your friends. For information and to buy tickets, go to our website.

Thanks to Cyndie for taking the lead and all the committee members: Alaire, Becky F., Elizabeth, Jenny, Julie M., Karen, Marilyn, Peggy, Shari Lynn and Sharon. We’ll need everyone in the club helping that day. Sign up to help.

Club Supports Education Project for Ukrainian Refugees

At the SNR conference, club members met Soroptimist Debbie Laffranchini from Trinity County who is spearheading a humanitarian mission for Ukrainian refugees with Pyramid Learning Center (PLC) in Oradea, Romania. She learned about the non-profit when she was brought in to teach exemplary practices in educating and serving individuals with disabilities. “It was a humbling experience,” said Debbie. “And I felt so honored to share my knowledge and experience, which was growing even as I was serving.”Our club contributed $550 for educational items that can be used by families that have children with disabilities and had to evacuate Ukraine. “I intend to take hope from the Soroptimists of Sierra Nevada region to Ukrainian children and mothers,” said Debbie, who will personally be delivering the contributions. “My heart no longer feels despair but hope. I know many of these mothers have such a horrible road ahead, many dealing with being widows, a title they are not yet aware that they have.”

Learn more: Pyramid Learning and Pyramid Learning Facebook.

Seniors Enjoy St. Patrick’s Meal and Funding

On Thursday March 17, the club provided 60 St. Patrick’s meals for seniors. The club traditionally cooks the St. Patrick’s and Thanksgiving meals for the Loomis L.I.F.E center.

In addition, Karen represented the club Awards Committee in presenting the $3,000 grant to fund education programs. Exercise, art and other classes are offered throughout the morning on Tuesday and Thursday followed by lunch.

St. Pat’s Fundraiser Successful

Thanks to members for selling 200 tickets and volunteering as well as Becky Faudree for arranging the generous donation of corned beef from Country Natural Beef. The St. Patrick’s Day To-Go Meal fundraiser added to our coffers to support scholarships and community projects. We appreciate the St. Patrick’s committee – Chair Cyndie, Chef Marilyn, Peggy, Jenny, Bev, Shari and Karen organizing this event.

Support Project Started by President Rae

The club will finish the last part of the Day’s for Girls project initiated by President Rae over a year ago. On Wednesday, April 20, for our club program meeting, we are meeting at Rae’s house to complete sewing bags for Days for Girls. This international project supplies sustainable sanitary kits so girls don’t miss school during their periods. Be sure to RSVP to Rae if you are planning to come – you don’t need to know how to sew as there are other assignments.

We Made a Difference for Acres of Hope

The club experienced an afternoon of fulfilling this year’s motto, “We Rise by Lifting Others,” on March 26 at Acres of Hope in Auburn, according to President Rae. “Our committee was quite aggressive on how we wanted to best serve the women and children at Acres of Hope,” said Rae. “With donations, shrewd business negotiations and selling handmade purses, we raised funds to accomplish our goal.”

The focus for the day was to replace all outdoor patio cushions, purchase a patio grouping, serve delicious pizza & salad, distribute personal gifts for women and their children, and play fun games of bingo with prizes, explained Rae. “Upon arriving, the women were a little apprehensive with our presence, but soon smiles and laughter surrounded us,” said Rae.

“A time of sure bliss was when the ladies received facials from member, Becky Jansen. Children went into the playground area where they painted beautiful pictures and sayings on rocks. Shari then distributed the rocks though out the campus. Bev, Ralene and Becky J’s Girl Scout troop also helped make the day a success.”

Afterwards several members went out to celebrate, according to Rae. “We enjoyed a heartfelt end of the day celebrating the greatest gift of all … extending our friendship,” said Rae.

Club Participates in Loomis Cares

The American Legion hosted “Loomis Cares,” a mixer for non-profits on March 31 at Memorial Hall, explained President Rae.

“Our Soroptimist booth displayed a board highlighting our services, programs, fundraisers and membership growth,” said Rae. “Attendees were greeted by the beautiful smiles of Alaire, Ashley, Chris and Ralene, women who enjoy giving back to their community.

We were proud to participate in the event with our presence and commitment to the community.” The club gave information packets out as well.

Members Celebrate at SNR Conference

Over 200 Soroptimist members in the Sierra Nevada Region gathered in Reno on April 1-3 to learn, share, laugh and experience the joy of our mission, “Investing in Dreams.” At the meeting, the region adopted a New Bylaw Amendment allowing club members to join a club with a virtual presence and not requiring that members live in a particular area. Elections were also held for Region Board members for the next Biennium.

Soroptimist International of Loomis Basin was proud to receive a third-place award for Membership Growth, reported President Rae. Attendees also celebrated the amazing Region Live Your Dream (LYD) Awardees. Six of our members attended – Rhonda, Jenny, Rae, Alaire, Shari and Bev who was recognized as a first-time attendee.

“Please consider attending SNR Conference next year,” said Rae. “You will not be disappointed.”

Prospective Member Mixer Coming May 18

Last year our club’s very successful mixer for those interested in the club attracted many of our newest members. On May 18, Becky Jansen will host the mixer at Citizen Vine in Lincoln. So, mark your calendars and tell your friends.

In the News

Our club awards program was featured in the April issue of Style Magazine. Check out page 28.

Calendar

Apr 20: Complete Days for Girls Bags at Rae’s 5:30 – 7PM

May 4: Business Meeting, Loomis Round Table, 5:30 PM social & 6-7 PM Mtg.

May 14: Tostada Bingo! Blue Goose Event Center, doors open at 5 PM, dinner starts at 6 PM

May 18: Prospect Member Mixer at Citizen Vine, 845 Twelve Bridges Dr., Lincoln 5:30-7 PMJune 1: Business Meeting, Loomis Round Table, 5:30 PM social & 6-7 PM Mtg

June 15: Installation of new officers, La Fornaretta

Conventions

July 20-23, 2022 SIA’s 47th Biennial Convention in Seoul, South KoreaNEW: July 30-31, 2022 Region’s Soroptimist Development Retreat (SDR), Reno, Nevada at the Atlantis–personal and club training classes plus fun!!

Jul 27-29, 2023 SI Convention Dublin Ireland

Use Amazon Smile and select Soroptimist International of Loomis Basin, CA

Websites:

Loomis Basin Club
Sierra Nevada Region
Soroptimist International of the AmericasFacebook: @SILoomis
Instagram: @SILoomis

Officers:
Rae DeGabriel, President
Shari Lynn Goodwin, Treasurer
Sharon O’Donnell, Secretary
Cyndie Whitefoot, One-Year Delegate
Jenny Knisley, Two-Year Delegate

Newsletter editors: Submit your news items to Alaire and Karen.

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