| March 8 is International Women’s Day and March is Women’s History Month—which means lots of opportunities to celebrate women’s contributions to history, culture, and society. As Soroptimists, we dedicate our time, mentorship, treasures and talents to the women and girls we serve. ❤️❤️ |
| President’s Message – March 2026 |
| Celebrating Women’s History Month – Leading the Change Together Dear Members & Friends of Soroptimist International of Huntington Beach, As we step into March, I am filled with pride and purpose as President of Soroptimist International of Huntington Beach. This is our month to shine a spotlight on the incredible women who have shaped our world—and on the work we continue to do to empower the next generation. March is Women’s History Month, and the 2026 national theme, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” could not be more aligned with everything we stand for. For over 60 years—since our club was founded in 1963—Soroptimist International of Huntington Beach has been quietly but powerfully leading the change right here in our community. We don’t just celebrate women’s history; we write the next chapter by giving women and girls the education, training, and resources they need to build economic independence and brighter futures. Our signature programs say it all: Live Your Dream Awards, which this past week helped 14 local women overcome obstacles and pursue their goals. Thank you Terry Rose for making it so special. Dream It, Be It, our career-mentoring program for high-school girls facing barriers, showing them they truly can turn dreams into reality. Thank you Jacqui Lewis for leading this program. These aren’t just awards or workshops—they are investments in sustainable futures. When a woman gains an education, she lifts her family, strengthens her community, and breaks cycles of poverty, violence, and inequality. That is exactly the kind of lasting change the 2026 Women’s History Month theme calls us to create. March also brings International Women’s Day on March 8—a global reminder that when women rise, we all rise. I hope you’ll take a moment that day to reflect on the Soroptimists who came before us and the young women who will follow in our footsteps. As your President, I am continually inspired by the dedication of our board and members: Treasurer Linda Lyons, Secretary Leslie Miller, and our entire leadership team who keep our club strong and impactful. Together, we prove every single day that women empowering women isn’t just our slogan—it’s our superpower. Thank you for being part of this extraordinary club. Whether you join us at Bunco, volunteer at a program meeting (all are open to the public so bring a friend), or simply spread the word about our mission, your support truly changes lives. Here’s to leading the change in 2026 and beyond—because when Soroptimists work together, the future gets brighter for every woman and girl we touch. In friendship and service, Caroline Leach President, Soroptimist International of Huntington Beach – 2025-2026 |
Spotlight on Service Live Your Dream Awards Program2025-2026 |
 Guest speaker Ashley Mehr, LYD Awardee (2023-2024) and founder of the non-profit, “Future’s Unwalled.”February is one of my favorite months of the year…It is the month we honor 14 amazing women with an unrestricted, educational grant called the Live Your Dream Award…and this February was just as memorable and heart-warming as those in the past. 91 people registered to attend our Live Your Dream Awards program this year. Our scholars came from as close as Huntington Beach and as far away as Victorville. Their “dreams” ranged from cosmetology and owning their own salons to teaching, real estate, health administration, accounting, criminal justice and nursing. |
Their ages ranged from 20’s to 40’s. Their walks of life and obstacles they had overcome and continue to overcome were “all over the map” but, they all had the same goal: to improve their lives, the lives of their families and communities and to “give back.” We were blessed this year with grants and generous donors to be able to continue giving $1,500 grants plus more. I want to personally thank Rachel Alm for introducing me and our Live Your Dream awards to her company, Wright Ford Young & Co who sponsored 4 awards. I also want to thank Farmers & Merchant’s Bank, the Theresa Plunkett Foundation administered by Arden Trust, Cal Private Bank, Wink & Sandi Williams, the Assistance League of Huntington Beach, JD Shafer & Dana Barton, Sue Saffarrans and Mayor Pro Tem, Butch Twining, the latter whose generous donation will sponsor a 2026-27 Live Your Dream award plus! I also want to thank the O.L. Halsell Foundation for its grant to expand our Dream Beyond Program. In 2015, we created a program to assist current or former Live Your Dream awardees beyond the initial cash grant. That year, we had one recipient. The following year we were able to assist 2. But thanks to the O.L. Halsell grant, we will be able to assist many more for more years. I am deeply grateful to Morgan Roach, Chair, and the Board of Trustees for the O.L Halsell Foundation for their belief in our life-changing, dream realization program. Words cannot express the gratitude I have in my heart. TerryDirector of Service (Impact) |
| Congratulations to SIHB’s2025-26 Live Your Dream Awardees! |
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| Thank you to Savor Catering, a Kherut workforce training program, for the wonderful Italian dinner. An extra thank you to the members, community volunteers and the selection committee, as well as our photographers for the evening, Carlos Romero and Chas Alm, for making this evening a success. |
| Congratulations Awardees! |
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| Run for the Roses -Kentucky Derby Inspired Fundraiser! May 2, 2026 |
| We’re delighted to invite you to attend our Kentucky Derby inspired fundraiser on May 2, 2026. Come be part of the experience! This landmark event offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the celebrated spirit of the Kentucky Derby. Your attendance and support are invaluable, directly contributing to our ongoing mission in making a difference in the lives of the women and girls we serve. SATURDAY, MAY 2Gates Open: 1:00 – 5:00 PM ACT NOW – EARLY BIRD PRICING $110 pp/ until March 31st. Please register using the link below with our payment platform Zeffy. Payment options include credit card, Apple/Google Pay and ACH payment.*RSVP FOR DERBY TICKETS TODAY!*DON’T FORGET:When using the online payment platform, you can choose to override the optional tip so there are no additional fees added (or add a tip of your choice that goes directly to Zeffy). For no tip, select “other”, then leave tip field empty. |
| Meet & Greet & Winetasting Fun! |
| On February 3rd, SIHB hosted our first “Meet & Greet” winetasting at Total Wine & More. Members reached out to invite their networks to come and learn more about Soroptimist International and the Huntington Beach club. There were 6 guests, including friends from the Assistance League of Huntington Beach, and 14 members in attendance. Caroline Leach welcomed the group and gave an overview of Soroptimist International of the Americas. Terry Rose, Carrie Tinker and Jacqui Lewis provided summaries of the club’s services and programs. Erin Spivey shared her perspective as a new member and Allison Cuff shared her experience as a beneficiary of SIHB support. In addition, Paula Jean was officially inducted as the club’s newest member. |
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| Last Chance for BUNCO! It’s fun, it’s easy and no experience is necessary. Invite your friends, family, neighbors – all are welcome! Thursday, March 26th at 6 PMAssistance League of HB8071 Slater Ave.Cost: $25 Please register using the link below with our payment platform Zeffy. Payment options which include credit card, Apple/Google Pay and ACH payment.* Bunco Registration & Payment |