Manteca Soroptimists gathered at the Raymus House wellness center for a final weekly lunch meeting before starting their summer hiatus and to take care of unfinished business.
The unfinished business was to deliver a 5-year warranty card for a dryer they donated several months ago to help with the laundry for 15 single moms and their young children that stay at the HOPE Family Shelters facility. The donation also included new towels.
It is the latest example of how the service club touches the lives of hundreds every year with an emphasis on women and girls.
The efforts of the local club founded in January 1953 hasn’t gone unnoticed by their peers in Soroptimist International.
They were recently selected as the 2025-2026 Club of the Year for the Sierra Pacific Region covering 29 clubs spanning three districts in Northern California.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of our members, our commitment to improving the lives of women and girls, and our focus on creating measurable impact on our community,” noted Manteca Soroptimist President Sherryl Price.
For more than seven decades, members have volunteered countless hours and raised funds to support programs and organizations that make a meaningful difference in the lives of local residents.
Among the club's many community contributions are support for Teen Crisis Counseling services within Manteca Unified School District, assistance to Raymus House, and awarding approximately $15,000 to $20,000 in scholarships each year to help graduating high school seniors — and women re-entering the workforce — to pursue their educational goals.
Several fundraisers from what has become a Christmas tradition in Manteca — the Holiday Affair — to a western spring dinner to help underwrite the club’s endeavors.
The Manteca Soroptimists currently have 46 members. For more information go to the club’s Facebook page or call 209-698-8468.
The Club of the Year award recognizes excellence in service, leadership, community impact, and commitment to the mission of Soroptimist International.
Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.
Founded in 1921 in Oakland, its name loosely translates from Latin to mean "best for women".
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
