Soroptimist Events 2012

January 9 - 15, 2012
Soroptimist International Northwest Region's Northwest Coalition Against Trafficking (NWCAT) conference in Portland January 9 - 15. Film Festival, January 9 - 12; conference, January 13-15.

March 8th 2012
Live your Dream Day International Women's Day - SIG has our weekly program focus on these topics and co-ordinate with the programs set by Soroptimist International.

March 30th, 7:00 A.M.
SIG will host the Gresham Chamber of Commerce AM meeting at Club Paesano. This will be an opportunity to learn about Soroptimist mission and vision, meet members and promote our upcoming event EL BISTRO Soroptimist.

April 27th, 5:30 P.M.
EL BISTRO 2012
This event is our major fundraiser for the year and is set for Friday evening, April 27th at Club Paesano. El Bistro 2012 will be an evening of friends, fun, and games featuring wine and beer tasting, bistro food, auctions and fabulous desserts.


April 27 - 29
Soroptimist Northwestern Region Conference in Spokane, Washington.
For more information go to www.soroptimistnwr.org

May (Date TBA)
New Season's Mother's Day Strawberry Shortcake Fundraiser
SIG participates and supports these efforts as a member of Soroptimist Against Violent Environments (SAVE). All Proceeds go to help fund local women's shelters. Sales are at all Portland area New Seasons Markets. Stop by and get a fabulous dessert and help to support our mission.

September 29th 10:00 A.M. SIG presents the 30th annual Teddy Bear Parade. Held in historic downtown Gresham, it is a Teddy Bear themed event and all participants and spectators are invited to bring their bears. The parade is held for the children of our community. Sponsorship opportunity and event registrations to be posted as available.

November fundraising for our grants and scholarships include Poinsettia sales and Entertainment Books.

December
Salvation Army ringing of bells. SIG traditionally has a day of ringing the bells at the Gresham Liquor store location.

Community events that SIG has supported

January
NWCAT conference - Human Trafficking awareness event held to coincide with International Human Awareness Trafficking day. This conference has significant value in the Pacific Northwest Region to promote awareness and have a forum for potential change. Soroptimist participation is at multiple levels. Go to www.soroptimistnwr.org for further details.

February Snow Cap Auction. Snow Cap supports our community by providing assistance in a variety of ways including food boxes, energy assistance, clothing and social services. SIG has participated in volunteer efforts and has provided them with grant funds. Information can be found at www.snowcap.org

February
Golden Note Awards promoted by the Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce. These awards are given to volunteers in recognition of the efforts they have contributed to the local community. SIG nominates a member to be a recipient each year. www.greshamchamber.org August
Mt. Hood Jazz Festival. The festival brings great jazz performances to Gresham. SIG has participated in volunteer efforts and has provided grants for this event. Go to www.mthoodjazz.org for this year's details.

August PAL back to school fair. This event gives local children basic supplies for the start of each school year. It is a multifaceted effort by many organizations. SIG participates as a major contributor of school supplies, backpacks and helps with additional resources and volunteers for this event.

September
Symphony Safari presented by the Portland Columbia Symphony and held after the Teddy Bear Parade on the Center for the Arts Foundation Plaza. SIG has participated in volunteer efforts and has provided grants for this event. Details go to www.columbiasymphony.org

September
Transportation Fair, presented by the Gresham Downtown Development Association in conjunction with local business and sponsors help promote safety in our neighborhoods. Go to www.gdda.org for additional information. SIG has participated in volunteer efforts and has provided grants for this event.

October
Salvation Army of Gresham annual auction - benefits the After School Program. The program is designed to support the children of Gresham. SIG has participated in volunteer efforts and has provided grants for this organization. Go to www.salvationarmygresham.org for this year's date.

November
Gresham Barlow Education Foundation Auction and Bagels and Books events. Children in the Barlow-Gresham school district benefit from these efforts. SIG has participated in volunteering for the foundation and has provided grants for these events. www.gbefkids.org