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Soroptimists Honor Women Who Make A Difference

Submitted by Nikki Van Velson

OAKHURST – Soroptimist International (SI) of the Sierras has annually held the “Making A Difference for Women” Awards Recognition Program since 1972.

Five women in the community were honored in two categories at a special awards luncheon held last month.

This year three women were chosen for the Live Your Dream Award, given to women who are striving to learn new skills and obtain an education to improve her employment status and standard of living for herself and her family.

Soroptimist International of the Sierra award recipients 2015 Elena Penkoff, Jenna Legge, and Jennifer Mearse - photo by Joelle Leder Photography StudioEach recipient of the Live Your Dream award received a check from SI of The Sierras for $1,000 and a gift card for $100 to use for gasoline for travel.

The women who received this year’s award were Elena Penkoff, Jenna Legge, and Jennifer Mearse.

Two Women Helping Women Awards were given this year. This award honors a woman who has worked to improve the lives of women and girls through her professional and/or volunteer work.

Recipient #1 was Joy Judd who is a member of MOPS (Mothers of Pre-schoolers). She spearheaded the Oakhurst Community Baby Shower, an event that enabled 150 families with a financial need to receive free items for children under 5 years old such as car seats, clothing, strollers, and more.

Joy Judd with Cindy Muehlenbeck holding the award for Denise McGuggin - photo by Joelle Leder Photography StudioRecipient #2 was Denise McGuffin. Denise works at Yosemite High School and is the founder of Angel’s Closet, a store at the high school with new clothing items for students in need.

Photos: Joelle Leder Photography Studio.

Nikki Van Velson is Publicity Chair for Soroptimist International of the Sierras

One comment

  1. Scott Townsend

    Who chooses winners? Are they nominated? How do we nominate people?

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