President’s Message

Happy Spring! 

As my tenure as SI Whitefish President comes to an end, I look back and realize all the significant changes this club has gone through over the past year, and all the good work we have done for our local and global communities.  Along with the hard work, though, we’ve had plenty of fun times, too!

Our Events Committee really went above and beyond at our social meetings. We played tons of games such as Price is Right, bowling, “beer” pong and had awesome theme nights such as Mardi Gras, Halloween, and Groovy 70’s. What a great way to get to know our fellow Soroptimist sisters in a fun and lively atmosphere!

Our hard work has paid off in the form of going all electronic with our communications, including reports, agendas, and meeting minutes, as well as with our Treasurer accounting duties.

We have seen our committee chairwomen come together for common goals and put forth strong organization and work with their committee members.

Our Thrift Haus continues providing both a great shopping option for our community, and generating the funds for all of our programs.

Our Soroptimist International of Americas signature programs of Live Your Dream and  Dream It Be It had stellar success this year.

LYD awarded a total of $12,000 to eight highly deserving women, and our DIBI program impacted 14 Whitefish High School girls’ lives.

We awarded a total of $27,500 in college scholarships to our local young people and also contributed $10,000 to our Club Giving program, which goes to funding our global Dream programs which help improve the lives of women and girls around the world through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.

All-in-all, I’m happy and satisfied with our success and with our contributions to our community at large and well as our own Soroptimist sisterhood.

Have a great summer and I hope to see everyone at the End Of Year BBQ. 

Sincerely, Jen

Jennifer Fugatt, President / Soroptimist International, Whitefish

NW Region Conference

The One Hundred First Region Conference for the Northwest Region was held at Skamania Lodge April 25th-28th.

It was a weekend filled with learning, inspiration and friends for the nine of us that were in attendance.

The big goal of SIA is to invest in the dreams of 500,000 women and girls (not children) through access to education. By affording women and girls opportunities to be empowered and educated, we are enabling them to make a difference in their own lives.

Our Club is extremely fortunate that we can give BIG to the signature programs which include LYD, DIBI and our own SI Whitefish Scholarships.

I am excited for this next year. We are making a difference!
– Bonnie

SI Whitefish member, Rachel G. is wearing our fancy hat creation as part of the conference festivities. 

Human Trafficking Committee

Whitefish Soroptimists give $36,000 in scholarships

Whitefish Soroptimists International presented $36,000 in scholarship and grant money to Flathead area students on April 22 during a dinner.

Both award categories listed were increased from previous years to benefit more students with career goals in service to others.

The Soroptimist “Live Your Dream” awards provide cash grants to women who are working to better their lives through additional schooling and skills training. Eligible women are the primary financial providers for themselves and their dependents and are attending an undergraduate degree program or a vocational skills training program.

News from the Thrift Haus

Dear Fellow Soroptimists!

Kathy B and Jen G have been honored to serve our club in the capacity of Thrift Haus Chairs. We were grateful for the Thrift Haus Committee and their tireless work to keep the store up and running.

Everyone who gives their time at the store is appreciated, we are so lucky to have so many ladies with unique skill sets!!

Let’s not forget the store is open all summer and sorting takes no holiday. Please sign up for a shift, every little bit helps.

Let’s have a fun summer & party on!!!  Kathy & Jen

End of Season Party