Annual Flower Sale supports local projects

Talbot Soroptimists fills area spring gardens with beautiful potted geraniums in four colors and gorgeous hanging baskets including ivy geraniums, fuchsias, begonias, million bell petunias, lantana and bridal veil, just in time for Mother’s Day. This year’s top quality plants instantly added beauty to home landscapes all over the county.

The Annual Flower Sale is a fundraiser to help support the “Best for Women” projects of Soroptimist International of Talbot County, including their 2012-2015 Signature Project: Mid-Shore Pro Bono, their Women’s Opportunity Award and Violet Richardson Award.

Soroptimist member Pat Stein is surrounded by some of the potted geraniums and hanging baskets.

 

Soroptimists celebrate Annual Awards Banquet

Talbot Soroptimists honored three women who exemplify the Soroptimist ideals of service, friendship and achievement at their Annual “Live Your Dream” Awards Banquet at the River House Pavilion at the Easton Club in March.

Keynote speaker, Mary Taylor-Acree, shared information about Kappa Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the programs they offer to young women in our community. Mary shared her story about living her dream and pursing her passion to work with young people on professional and social etiquette. Taylor-Acree challenged the audience to reach out to young ladies in our community and encourage them to be the best they can be.

Talbot Soroptimist President Dale Reddish presented the annual awards:

The Violet Richardson Award honors a young woman for her volunteer action and commitment to her community and is named after the first Soroptimist International President. The award, along with a check for $1,000, was presented to Rani Ewing for her volunteer efforts through many local organizations including her designated charity, Shore Health Systems Child Development Center. In addition to Rani’s award, Shore Health Systems Child Development Center was presented with a $500 check given in Rani’s name.

The Women’s Opportunity Award assists a woman who provides the primary source of financial support for her family by giving her the resources she needs to improve her education, skill and employment prospects. Ashlie Elliott was the recipient of the award and a check for $2,000 to assist with her pursuit of a Degree in Early Childhood Development. Ashlie, a mother of a child with Autism and Aspergers, works full time and attends school part time.

Delegate Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio was announced as the club’s Soroptimist Ruby Award winner.  This award honors a woman who is working to improve the lives of women and girls through their personal or professional activities.

PHOTOS LEFT: Violet Richardson Award recipient, Rani Ewing with Charlene Copper-Pierce from Shore Health System Child Development Center. MIDDLE: Ashlie Elliott (right), the Women’s Opportunity Award Winner, accepted her award from President Dale Reddish (left) and spoke to the club about her goals. RIGHT: Keynote speaker, Mary Taylor-Acree , Soroptimist President Dale Reddish, Alpha Kappa Alpha President Willie Woods.