Soroptimist of Kent turns golden

One of Kent’s longest-running service clubs celebrates 50 years this year.

It’s a notable accomplishment, for sure, a major milestone for a resilient group of volunteers who keep Soroptimist International of Kent a contributing, compassionate player in the community.

True to its mission, the nonprofit organization helps improve the lives of women and girls in the Kent area, the region and throughout the world. The club works closely with agencies and partners to provide programs that bring social and economic empowerment to women and families in need.

The organization is particularly committed to providing women and girls access to education, the most effective path to self-determination.

More than 80,000 Soroptimists in about 120 countries and territories support community–based and global projects benefiting women and girls.

Despite its reach, local club leaders are concerned about its future. The organization, which officially began in Kent on June 23, 1964, had 15 members then, the same number it has now.

At one time, membership grew to about 50-60 members, according to Adrienne Rockwell, one the club’s eldest Soroptimists with 31 years of service. But that number has dwindled over time.

Small in size, the club nonetheless continued to do big things.

“We didn’t do nearly as much back then (compared to) what we do now with few members,” Rockwell said. “We’re a small group, but we’ve done a lot … we’ve worked hard.”

As it celebrates its past, club leaders are focused on the future. Wanted are more members. Needed are younger volunteers with a new approach.

“It’s a big concern. We need to grow this club. I would be happy to hit that 40 again,” said Linda Simpson, club past president and event chair. “(We recognize that) this ain’t going to be your momma’s Soroptimist Club. We are moving forward. We’re into social networking. We’re growing, we’re trying to get fresh ideas and trying to find our niche for the next 50 years.”

Among those ideas is to perhaps open a second-hand store whereby women and girls, survivors of domestic abuse, can have a job, support an education and serve the community.

The Kent Soroptimists also have entertained the idea of opening a clothing bank.

All of which coincides with the club’s many, ongoing programs.

The club has donated money and support to many organizations, including Kent Youth and Family Services; Domestic Abuse Women’s Network; the YWCA; King County Sexual Assault Resource Center; Washington Women’s Employment & Education; and Pediatric Interim Care Center; among others.

Soroptimists of Kent and volunteers also teamed up at the Farrington Court Retirement Community to make dresses for young girls around the world. They also held a bra drive for the Free the Girls program. According to Simpson, the club collected 87 bras and raised more than $300 for the program, which provides job opportunities for survivors of sex trafficking.

Lately, the Kent Soroptimists donated $4,150 to the Genesis Project, a program that offers hope for a new life to young women and girls involved in domestic minor sex trafficking in the South King County area.

“It just makes me feel good to help people,” said Sandy Johnson, the club’s new president. “I had absolutely no idea how many people in Kent (we represent and serve).”

For Rockwell, one of her favorite community service projects was raising funds for children, victims of domestic violence situations, so they could go to summer camp.

They club, she said, also raised $36,000 to the city’s Service Club Ballfields.

The hard work has been rewarding for the volunteers.

“It’s been fun. I’ve met a bunch of new people,” said Wanda Koehmstedt, who was named the club’s Soroptimist of the Year.

Soroptimist of Kent welcomes new members as it furthers its mission.

To learn more about the club and its goals, go to www.soroptimistnwr.com, or write to: Soroptimist International of Kent, P.O. Box 456, Kent, WA 98035-0456.

“The sky’s the limit. You’re only limited by your imagination,” Simpson said. “And when you look around and see the things that are happening in our community that you would want better, we need the women and the men, too … to come forward and help us build this new club and set a new direction.”

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Soroptimist of Kent celebrates its 50th year of service to women and girls in Kent and around the world with an Art Walk in the Park on Saturday. The event is from 6-9 p.m. at the Soos Creek Botanical Garden, 29308 132nd Ave. SE.

Tickets are $50 and include food and a glass of wine or other beverage. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the garden.

Attendees can view and purchase art from local artists, enjoy food from Down Home Catering and meet past and present Soroptimist members as well as view a history of service to the community.

For ticket information, email Adrienne Rockwell at rockwelladrienne@comcast.net or go to the Soroptimist Facebook page.