On behalf of Soroptimist, we would like to thank all of our current donors for their generosity and support. Here are some of their stories.

About the Laurel Legacy members
Since the inception of the Laurel Legacy in 1996, more than 250 Soroptimist members have included SIA in their financial planning. Laurel Legacy members are making an investment in the future of Soroptimist because they believe in, and are dedicated to, improving the lives of women and girls.

Susan Joyce

Susan, a Laurel Legacy member from Central Solano County, California, has been a Soroptimist since 1972 and became a Laurel Legacy member in 2006. “Soroptimist membership is a unique gift,” she states. “Being a member has given me hope, confidence, leadership training, and a sense of fulfillment and well being, as well as lifelong friendships and memories to cherish forever.” For Susan and so many other Laurel Legacy members, it is critical that Soroptimist’s mission and goals live on. “Because I’ve given so much of my life to Soroptimist, it is very important to me that the tradition of Soroptimist service continues for future generations. Every person who has been a Soroptimist before me has left a rich legacy for me to build on. I hope that my years spent as a Soroptimist will provide the same for others. My hope is for that legacy to continue being passed on from generation to generation.”

Catherine Standiford

Catherine, a Laurel Legacy member of Soroptimist International of Garden Grove, California states, "The Women's Opportunity Award is one of my favorite SIA programs because I know that it truly improves the lives of women often times in ways that we could never imagine. It's also a favorite because it's unique — I like the fact that we can help empower women to live their dream by allowing them to choose how to utilize the funds they receive based on their assessment of their own needs." Catherine is strongly committed to the Soroptimist mission both in her volunteer time and her financial support. "I became a member of both the Laurel Society and Laurel Legacy because I value the programs that are being supported. The positive impact that these programs have on individual women in local communities spreads to families and neighbors, and serves future generations. Consequently, longterm financial support to maintain these programs in the future is important. These programs are important to me and I believe in putting my money where my mouth is!

Helen Cox

Helen passed away in December 16, 2000 and was an active member of SI/Pasco—Kennewick, Washington for almost 50 years and served as Northwestern Region governor from 1978-1980. Helen joined Soroptimist to help women advance in status and was a mentor to many women in the fields of business and accounting.

Helen and her husband, Charlie, were generous supporters of Soroptimist and local charities in their community. "Do your givin' while your livin', and you'll be knowin' where it's goin'," said Helen, quoting from a Dear Abby column that inspired her gifts. In 1997, Helen and Charlie designated Soroptimist as one of the beneficiaries from the sale of their farm. The Coxs had the pleasure of knowing where their hard—earned money was going but also the satisfaction of knowing that their gift would help for years to come. Soroptimist programs will continue to reap the benefits of Helen's and Charlie's gift until 2017.