[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 37 (Thursday, March 2, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF ST. HELENA

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 2, 2017

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Soroptimist International of St. Helena, the recipient of the St. 
Helena Chamber of Commerce Non-profit of the Year Award.
  Founded in 1921 in Oakland, California, Soroptimist International is 
a worldwide volunteer service organization for women who work to 
improve the lives of other women and girls in local communities and 
throughout the world. The organization seeks equality, peace, and 
international goodwill for women. Over 95,000 members in more than 125 
countries and territories worldwide contribute time and financial 
support to community-based and international projects.
  The St. Helena Chapter of Soroptimist International was founded in 
1954. Since then, the chapter has raised and distributed more than a 
million dollars in local scholarships and grants. This money was 
entirely raised by volunteers, many of whom also work full-time. Their 
fundraising has helped send numerous St. Helena students to college and 
summer camps, as well as educational trips to national parks and 
Washington, D.C.
  The organization also provides support and stability to single 
parents in our community with education and career opportunities. 
Dozens of mothers throughout the Napa County region have been able to 
return to school or complete vocational training with the help of 
Soroptimist professional grants.
  Mr. Speaker, Soroptimist International of St. Helena has worked to 
make our community and our world a more equitable place for over five 
decades. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor the 
organization here today and congratulate the group on this well-
deserved accolade.

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