Fundraising - Soroptimist International of the Twin Cities

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Why we Fundraise

To support Soroptimist Live Your Dream for women working to empower themselves through further education.

To support local communities, through partnerships with organizations that provide housing, counseling, and other support for women, girls, and families going through hard times.

To support Soroptimist International, amplifying our voice and impact with global projects and advocacy that work towards gender equity through education and economic empowerment.

Soroptimist Twin Cities Annual Fundraisers

Every year Soroptimist International of the Twin Cities (SITC) organizes several fundraisers to support our local and global projects empowering women and girls through access to education.

Spring virtual silent auction - all funds support Live Your Dream Awards

Fall Equal Exchange products sales - supports other club programs and costs, like providing Chrome books for women seeking higher education

Winter soup party - all funds support Soroptimist International projects

Bi-annual garage sale - supports other club programs and costs

Virtual Silent Auction

Each spring, Soroptimist members donate or solicit donations for goods and services to be a part of our online silent auction. We typically put together 30-35 themes baskets that include things like restaurant gift cards, coffee/tea/adult beverages, cooking or picnic supplies, family or kids items, camping and athletic supplies and tickets, home made crafts, pet related items, and garden/landscaping services.

The goal of the auction is to raise $3,000 a year, used to support six Live Your Dream Education Awards. Each year we award 6-7 cash awards to support local women (from dozens of applicants) with the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment status.

Coming soon - 2025 Soroptimist silent auction website
View the 2024 Soroptimist silent auction website
View the 2023 Soroptimist silent auction website

Equal Exchange Sales

Each fall Soroptimist partners with Equal Exchange, selling fair trade products to our friends, families, neighbors, co-workers, etc. We receive the net profits of the sales, which typically amounts to $2,000 a year, to fund our programs supporting local communities. This includes providing supplies, meals, and relationship building with refugee and immigrant women in the Twin Cities area, supporting supportive housing and programs for women and families escaping gender-based violence, and ongoing support for previous Live Your Dream award winners.

The Equal Exchange products for sale include fair trade chocolate, coffee, tea, olive oil, nuts, dried fruits, and other snacks.

Winter Soup Party

Every winter, Soroptimist members host a pot-luck style dinner of soup, bread, and salads. Members, friends, family, and others are invited to join for the meal and contribute $20 donation. During the dinner, attendees are presented with information about the latest projects, updates, and impacts of Soroptimist International global projects.

All funds donated, for the dinner or as additional donations, are contributed towards Soroptimist International projects.

Garage Sales

Every other year, Soroptimist holds a garage sale. Members, friends, family, neighbors, are invited to donate goods to sell over a Thursday-Sunday in the summer, and/or to volunteer with garage sale setup, operations, and clean up. All proceeds go to the club's general funds to support local communities, Live Your Dream awards members, and minor overhead costs like website fees.