Beth Briggs
RALEIGH, N.C. - A women's volunteer organization in Raleigh will hold a silent auction and celebration April 14 to honor three local women.
Soroptimist International of Raleigh, a club that works to improve the lives of women and girls, will hold it annual Women of Distinction Celebration at The Fallon Center in Raleigh beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Beth Briggs, president of Creative Philanthropy, was selected to receive the group's Making a Difference for Women Award in recognition of her efforts to spur philanthropy among women in the state.
"She was a natural," says Pat Lynch, immediate past president of the club and a current member of the awards committee. "Our goal is to find someone who is doing something significant on behalf of women and girls in our community."
Briggs will receive a plaque and Soroptimist will make a donation of $500 to the charity of her choice.
Sonja Thalheimer will receive the Violet Richardson Award, which is presented each year to a teenager is making volunteerism a significant part of her life.
Thalheimer will receive $500 to use as she chooses and an additional $250 will be donated to the nonprofit where she volunteers.
And Margaret Williamson will receive the Women's Opportunity Award, which is given to a female head of household who is working toward an undergraduate degree or a vocational degree.
Williamson will receive $1,500 from Soroptimist to use as she chooses and $500 for tuition from the Raleigh chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners.
The keynote speaker for the event will be Sharon Hill, an author, trainer and speaker.
While donations are encouraged, the event is free and open to the public. To register, email awardregister@siraleigh.org.
Event co-chairs are Ruth Walton and Debera Cain.
