Soroptomists honor, uplift community women
PENN TWP — Women were celebrated, awarded and uplifted for their challenges overcome and educational pursuits at the Soroptimist International of Butler County’s Spring Fling on Saturday.
The Butler Country Club was filled with laughter and applause as members of the organization presented the Live Your Dream scholarships to women furthering their education. In addition, the Soroptomists bestowed their Community Ruby Award on Audray Muscatello-Yost for her many contributions to organizations in Butler County.
Soroptimist, which translates to “the best for women,” is an organization that seeks to empower women and girls and enrich their lives through education, according to Marianne Hill, Spring Fling co-chairwoman.
“The Live Your Dream awards are what this event is for. Today we’re honoring women who have overcome addiction, abuse and homelessness,” she said. “The money (these women) receive can go toward anything that will help continue their education, whether it’s childcare, gas, transportation or books.”
Live Your Dream award winners Ra’naa Billingsley, Alyssa Mainhart and Lucky Giron were honored with a plaque, bouquet, their $1,000 or $1,5000 scholarships, and applause as their stories were told by members of the club.
Becky Plymale, Live Your Dream awards co-chairwoman, said the women awarded were often working jobs, caring for their families and pursuing an education all at once.
“The recipients have overcome significant obstacles, like abuse and addiction. The ones you see today have overcome both. They’re amazing women trying to go to school,” she said.
Many women not affiliated with the Soroptomists chose to attend to support their various causes through the basket and 50/50 raffles and purchases from vendors in attendance.
Sue Collar and Sis Fleming said the amount of people in attendance was incredible.
“It’s great to see how many are here to support the organization and understand the importance of the work that they do,” Fleming said.
In addition to scholarships, Hill said Soroptomist members make hand-tied blankets for chemotherapy patients at various cancer societies with the program Michelle’s Mission and help furnish apartments for women in need through the program A Place To Lay My Head.
“It lets you realize how fortunate you really are,” she said. “A Place to Lay My Head started by just us providing pillows to ladies in need. Now we sometimes set up the apartment, and we get to meet the women we helped. It’s a wonderful feeling.”
Following the scholarship awards, Hill presented the Ruby Club Award to President Donna Sybert, managing editor of the Butler Eagle, for her work with the organization.
“This woman was chosen from amongst her peers because she works hard on any project we undertake and is a vocal cheerleader for our organization and tasks in the community,” she said.
Muscatello-Yost was given the Community Ruby Award for her work with the Butler Area School District’s Kids Weekend Backpack program, which serves 300 children in kindergarten through fourth grade, as well as the Golden Tornado Scholastic Foundation, Butler Humane Society, YWCA and other organizations. Muscatello-Yost said it was an honor and a privilege to be recognized.
“I’m passionate about each one of these organizations. It is important and gratifying work. But I am one of many, and I am thankful for all the women and men who keep these programs going,” she said.
Hill said the Ruby Award winners will be able to donate to a charity of their choice with the cash award from the Soroptomists.
Plymale said she hopes those in attendance take away that when women work together, they can do fabulous things.
“It’s women helping other women, uplifting other women,” she said of the Soroptomists. “It’s giving them a hand up instead of handout.”
