Soroptimist International of Truckee Meadows Presents the Whole Hearted Online Auction

Help Soroptimist improve the lives of women and girls in our community by contributing to just a few of our projects that need funding year-round. A donation in any amount is welcome. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Your unrestricted donation in any amount will fund local Soroptimist projects that empower women and girls. You can use the drop down box on the donation page to indicate the passion project of your choice to support. Scroll through this page to learn more about some of our favorite programs that enrich the lives of women and girls in our community.

Live Your Dream Scholarships are for women pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational skills training program while providing primary financial responsibility for herself and dependents. $1,000 scholarships awarded annually to eligible recipients. 

Education is the pathway to economically empowering women and girls.

STEAM Day is a one-day workshop for middle school-aged girls introducing them to professions and projects in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. $400 will support the day’s costs for five girls to attend. 

Dream It, Be It is a global Soroptimist program that provides career support for girls. According to the United Nations, educating girls tackles the root causes of poverty. A report by the White House points out that academic achievement by 8th grade is one of the largest predictors of college readiness. It goes on to say that the level of academic achievement by 8th grade has a greater impact on college and career readiness than high school achievement.

SITM is partnering with the Washoe County School District to bring STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs to “at-risk” elementary school girls in the Truckee Meadows. The inaugural project brings 10 sessions to girls at Hunter Lake Elementary School in the 2017 – 2018 school year. The project works to build self-esteem, promote STEM, and reinforce the schools “growth mind-set” language to empower students. Exposing the girls to the engineering process in STEM gives them the confidence to study and eventually pursue a STEM career regardless of ethnicity or socioeconomics. A donation of $250 will support an additional educational robot and curriculum.  

Thanks to Youth is an awards luncheon that honors exceptional youth in our community. It is one of SITM’s signature events and is central to our mission of supporting women and children. Thanks to Youth began in May, 1987 as a way to honor the “unsung heroes” among the youth in our community. These youth were not necessarily student scholars or athletes, but just ordinary students doing extraordinary things in their schools, churches and for families.

In the 1990s, SITM wanted to add youth scholarships to the program. Funding for scholarships was initially received from donations from local businesses. Over time the program expanded due to the generosity of Mr. John Farahi, owner of the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa. The lunches, room, and servers are all donated by Mr. Farahi and the Atlantis. This means that all the money raised through sponsorships, ticket sales and raffle sales goes directly to fund scholarships and Unsung Hero awards for the following year.

An “Unsung Hero” is a child 7-18 years of age attending school in Washoe County, who demonstrates kindness, generosity, concern for others, humility, courage, perseverance or the ability to overcome hardships in a way that inspires others and makes the world a better place. Scholarship recipients are awarded to graduating high school seniors from our community who will further their education with post-secondary college or professional training. Students with at least a 2.5 GPA and demonstrated financial need are eligible to apply. Scholarships are paid in two installments, directly to the school.