Soroptimist International seeks award nominees

COEUR d'ALENE - The local chapter of Soroptimist International is seeking nominations for its annual awards honoring notable women in the community.

For more than 66 years, Soroptimist International of Coeur d'Alene has worked to better the lives of women and children in the local community. Soroptimist, meaning "best for women," was chartered in 1948 and was the first civic service club for women in Coeur d'Alene. With an international purpose to enable women and girls to take control of their lives and live their dreams, Soroptimist represents women at their best, striving to help other women be their best.

For 32 years, Soroptimist has publicly awarded its "Women of Distinction" awards to women whose achievements and dedication to community service set them apart. Award nomination categories include: arts and culture, business and professional, community service, education, health, public service, seniors and community activist.

Soroptimist will be holding its 32nd Annual Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony at 11:30 a.m., Nov. 2, at the Cedars Floating Restaurant. Last year's winners included Dr. Virginia Tinsley Johnson, Shelly Webb, Liz Montgomery, Cynthia Kleck, Anna Wilson, Gail Turley, Carol Prosser and Marilyn Hunt.

Proceeds from the event help support local women and girls through monetary awards and scholarships, as well as contributions to local services such as the North Idaho Violence Prevention Center, formerly known as the Women's Center.

To date, Soroptimist has provided more than $300,000 to the Women's Center and the Soroptimist's Children's Counseling Center to fund space, supplies and a counselor for intervention to children who witness, or are the victims of, domestic violence.

Anyone interested in the Soroptimist club or in nominating a local outstanding woman should contact Angie Lemmerman at (208) 867-7055 or sicoeurd.alene@soroptimist.net.