History

SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF STUART HISTORY

1954

  • Soroptimist International of Stuart (SIS) was chartered

1955

  • Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge on Hutchinson Island was saved and established as a museum.
  • Martin County Historical Society was instigated and formed by SIS

1958

  • Martin County’s first public swimming pool construction fund was formed

1968

  • Martin County Fair original planning committee

1969

  • Martin Memorial Hospital room was furnished by SIS
  • Martin County High School and St Joseph’s College – sponsored girls service clubs

1975

  • Meals on Wheels annual contributions

1980

  • YMCA contribution for new complex and memorial tree was planted
  • Barn Theatre – funds raised for creation of building

1982

  • Stuart Christmas Parade organization started and continued for 25 years

1984

  • Safe Space and Boys and Girls Club of Martin County supporters

1990

  • Soroptimist of St Lucie County chartered by SIS

1994

  • Molly’s House donation for 2 years

1996

  • Martin County High School scholarship fund established
  • “Save Our Selves/Save Our Sisters” program started which provided over 1000 mammograms to women in need in Martin County

1999

  • Women of Distinction program was assumed by SIS when Palm Glades was no longer able to sponsor it and continues yearly
  • Mary J Brogan Park – $20,000 was provided to construct two pavilions

2000

  • Violet Richardson Award was started by Soroptimist International and SIS began a yearly recognition of a student between the ages of 14-17 who had contributed to a local charity.
  • Trafficking of Women – SIS donated to the Soroptimist International President’s appeal

2001

  • Supporting Peace in Africa and Limbs for Life support
  • S.O.S. gave over 4000 mamograms
  • Rising Star Award was added to Women of Distinction to recognize young females who demonstrate the traits of a Women of Distinction
  • Benedict Joseph Medical Center, Honduras – Stuart funded two birthing units

2003

  • International Relations Committee was established to pursue affiliations with other organizations, e.g. Shared    Hope, World Vision, Smile Train and Heifer, International to support education and health issues for women.

2005

  • Hurricane Katrina assistance under the leadership of Tanya Shipman, a Soroptimist and the Women’s Power Lunch Bunch raised in excess of $15,000 and supplies sent to Baker, Louisiana
  • We won 1st place in the Health category of Soroptimist International of the Americas for our project Light of the World Charities and the 2 birthing units we had constructed at St Benedict Joseph Medical Center in Honduras. We were the only club in SIA to be recognized for this honor.
  • Additionally, we were runner-up in the same category for a $5000.00 donation to the Addis Abba Ethiopia Fistular Hospital, which was also recognized by SIA in an issue of Best For Women.
  • Kiryu, Japan Soroptimist – friendship link was formed. The Japan club provided funds to assist a homeowner in Indiantown who was severely affected by the hurricanes.  Two trees were planted at the Stuart Cultural Center in honor of the Japan club.
  • Christmas Holiday Gifts were purchased for several families after an anonymous $10,000 gift was received

 2006

  • Schonna Green the Founder and Executive Director of M.I.S.S. INC. of the Treasure Coast was recognized as the winner of our Southern Region Making a Difference Award. 
  • Shared Hope International partnership resulted in $40,000 contribution to build a home in Jamaica for trafficked girls. SIS provided an addition $5000 to purchase computers for the home.
  • House of Refuge was provided with new signage followed with a ceremony

2008

  • The Soroptimist International Best Practices Award 2007-2008 was given to our club in the category “Soroptimists will ensure that women and girls live in safe and healthy environments.” Project “An Evening of Shared Hope”. It also won 3rd place for “Celebrating Success Award” in the area of human rights and status of women at the Soroptimist International of the Americas Convention held in Taiwan.

2009

  • Human Trafficking Summit was held which lead to the formation of the Treasure Coast Human Trafficking Coalition

2011

  • T.R.U.S.T. (Teen Relations Using Safe Tactics) was begun to teach teens about teen violence, prevention and treatment. Program was initiated at David Anderson Middle School
  • Shared Hope International -$3000 was donated from the International Relations Committee

2012

  • Dinner with Your Daughter annual event was started to teach teens and parents about safe dating and communication
  • Peru, Ghana and Armenia adoption of 3 youth providing shelter and living assistance

2013

  • Elliot Museum donation of $5000 to assist with new Elliot Museum and Displays
  • Martin Cancer Center – provided support for mammograms and wellness totes for female cancer patients receiving treatment
  • Florida Arts and Dance awarded $2500 for summer scholarships for financially challenged students
  • Sponsored a performance for teens on dating “Dating, Dodging, Ditching” for our T.R.U.S.T. (Teen Relations Using Safe Tactics) program.

2014

  • Shared Hope International reception was sponsored for Nepal’s child victims of sex trafficking
  • Three Live Your Dream Awards were given this year ($3,000) to women returning to school. This was formally the Woman’s Opportunity Award.
  • Our  T.R.U.S.T. (Teen Relations Using Safe Tactics) program sponsored “Dinner With Your Daughter” for the 4 years.
  • The Women’s Opportunity Award is changed to the Live Your Dream Award & Violet Richardson Award was discontinued

2015

  • The Daytona Club gets their charter July 1, with Stuart as its sponsor
  • Initiated 2 new awards, Women in Transition and the Soroptimist International of Stuart Youth Service Award will replace the Violet Richardson Award for service.

 2018

  • Our T.R.U.S.T. program sponsored Dinner With Your Daughter once again for the 5th year.
  • Partnered with Catch the Wave of Hope, and raised almost forty thousand dollars for a home locally for victims of human tracking.
  • Held our first Dream It, Be It event for girls 10-13 years old.