2000-2002 Founder Region, Governor Carol Rose
Soroptimist International of El Pinablo
2003-2005 SI/A Federation Director Theme: "Soroptimists Soar into the New Century"
Region Board Governor-elect: Mary Ann Redden Secretary: Amelia Benko Treasurer: Cathy Mitchell Directors District 1: Chrisann Nicholson District 2: Doris Webster District 3: Lee Ray McDoniels District 4: Kay Barrett Ritter District 5: Sue Finch District 6: Julie Kamanawa-Kala
Clubs Chartered SI Fremont SI Central Solano County
Region Conferences 2001 - San Ramon Clubs in region: 66 Registration: 417 2002 - Kona, HI - Keauhou Beach Resort Clubs in region: 66 Registration: 332
2003-2005 SI/A Federation Director Theme: "Soroptimists Soar into the New Century"
Region Board Governor-elect: Mary Ann Redden Secretary: Amelia Benko Treasurer: Cathy Mitchell Directors District 1: Chrisann Nicholson District 2: Doris Webster District 3: Lee Ray McDoniels District 4: Kay Barrett Ritter District 5: Sue Finch District 6: Julie Kamanawa-Kala
Clubs Chartered SI Fremont SI Central Solano County
Region Conferences 2001 - San Ramon Clubs in region: 66 Registration: 417 2002 - Kona, HI - Keauhou Beach Resort Clubs in region: 66 Registration: 332
- The biennium started with a Leadership retreat at Sonoma State College. It was the first time we used evaluations to let us know how we did and it gave us new direction for the next year.
- Walker Ranch was chosen for the next Leadership retreat, a very rustic and pastoral place.
- The Public Relations committee was re-established and Founderlink, the online newsletter was instituted.
- The honoring of the Women of Distinction was changed from Sunday to a Friday afternoon luncheon and we started Conference Friday mornings.
- At our 2002 Federation convention in San Diego, Japan Chuo Region and Founder Region signed papers to become Friendship Links.
- During this biennium, we were invited to attend the Youth Forum in Minami Region, Japan. The Board decided on who to send to Japan. There was an essay contest among our S-Club members and three were chosen. Two girls from Sacred Hearts Academy in Waikiki and one From Liberty High School in Antioch. Off we went to Japan.
- Six S-clubs were chartered and one was re-formed.
2002-2004 Founder Region Governor, Mary Ann Redden
Soroptimist International of Antioch Theme: "Achieve Growth By Sharing" Region Board
Governor-elect: Cathy Mitchell
Secretary: Sue Finch
Treasurer: Joyce Strand
Directors District 1: Chrisann Nicholson
District 2: Terry Comiskey
District 3: Carol Stein
District 4: Linda Simon
District 5: Elaine Reed
District 6: Julie Kamanawa-Kala
Clubs Chartered American Canyon
Region Conferences 2003 - Concord Hilton, Concord Clubs in region: 67 Registration: 470 2004 - Hilton Guam Resort & Spa, Guam Clubs in region: 67 Registration: 216 There were many special events during the biennium. The chartering of a new club, American Canyon was very exciting; over 100 members from the Region were in attendance. A bus trip to the Redwood Memorial Grove was arranged. There were some difficulties such as the bus driver did not know how to get to the Redwood Memorial Grove; the bus did not go over what felt like 40 miles per hour. However, it was a worthwhile trip in that over 100 members experienced the Redwood Memorial Service.
At the 2003 Conference, guest speaker Michael Pritchard, kept the membership in stitches with his humorous presentation about his experiences as a teacher and working with handicapped people. His lively wit included phrases such as "If life was logical men would ride side saddle" and some people have NCAA, "No Clue At All"
The Recruitment/Retention/Extension/Soroptimist Orientation and Leadership Training Fund was established. Founder Region Fellowship gave a reception for members who are Fellows, to meet the awardees one on one.
The 2004 Conference was very exciting. It was held in Tamuning, Guam. Forty seven clubs were represented at Conference and heard presentations from the Honorable Felix P. Camacho, Governor of Guam; Senator Tina Rose Muna Barnes, a Congressional Record from the 108th House of Representatives; Official visitor, Takiko Hayaish, President Soroptimist International of the Americas; and a workshop conducted by Leigh Wintz, Executive Director SIA. Linda Manor, Director of the Fund Development Council shared information on funding Soroptimist programs.
There is so much more that happened during the biennium, but not enough space to put it all down. Being Governor of Founder Region was and is a life changing experience. I cherish the friendships and memories made. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
Governor-elect: Cathy Mitchell
Secretary: Sue Finch
Treasurer: Joyce Strand
Directors District 1: Chrisann Nicholson
District 2: Terry Comiskey
District 3: Carol Stein
District 4: Linda Simon
District 5: Elaine Reed
District 6: Julie Kamanawa-Kala
Clubs Chartered American Canyon
Region Conferences 2003 - Concord Hilton, Concord Clubs in region: 67 Registration: 470 2004 - Hilton Guam Resort & Spa, Guam Clubs in region: 67 Registration: 216 There were many special events during the biennium. The chartering of a new club, American Canyon was very exciting; over 100 members from the Region were in attendance. A bus trip to the Redwood Memorial Grove was arranged. There were some difficulties such as the bus driver did not know how to get to the Redwood Memorial Grove; the bus did not go over what felt like 40 miles per hour. However, it was a worthwhile trip in that over 100 members experienced the Redwood Memorial Service.
At the 2003 Conference, guest speaker Michael Pritchard, kept the membership in stitches with his humorous presentation about his experiences as a teacher and working with handicapped people. His lively wit included phrases such as "If life was logical men would ride side saddle" and some people have NCAA, "No Clue At All"
The Recruitment/Retention/Extension/Soroptimist Orientation and Leadership Training Fund was established. Founder Region Fellowship gave a reception for members who are Fellows, to meet the awardees one on one.
The 2004 Conference was very exciting. It was held in Tamuning, Guam. Forty seven clubs were represented at Conference and heard presentations from the Honorable Felix P. Camacho, Governor of Guam; Senator Tina Rose Muna Barnes, a Congressional Record from the 108th House of Representatives; Official visitor, Takiko Hayaish, President Soroptimist International of the Americas; and a workshop conducted by Leigh Wintz, Executive Director SIA. Linda Manor, Director of the Fund Development Council shared information on funding Soroptimist programs.
There is so much more that happened during the biennium, but not enough space to put it all down. Being Governor of Founder Region was and is a life changing experience. I cherish the friendships and memories made. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
2004-2006 Founder Region Governor, Cathy Mitchell
Soroptimist International of Cloverdale
2007-2009 SI/A Federation Director
Theme: "Together We Can"
Region Board
Governor-elect: Sue Finch
Secretary: Linda Sue Hansen
Treasurer: Joyce Strand
Directors District 1: April Rovero District 2: Norene Lowry District 3: Terry Baldwin District 4: Penny Solem District 5: Debbie Thompson District 6: Jane Murakami
Clubs Chartered Windsor 24/680
Region Conferences 2005 - San Ramon - Clubs in region: Registration: 2006 - Concord - Concord Hilton Clubs in region: 65 Registration: 185
First Governor and so far only Governor to be installed in Guam. It is a memory that I will cherish forever. The warmth, friendship, and love that we received from the members of the two clubs will never be forgotten.
Soroptimist International of the Americans introduced the Renaissance Campaign. Clubs were asked to focus on Program, Public Awareness, Membership and Fundraising. SIA funded the Women’s Opportunity Awards based on the number of clubs in each region. As a result, SIA awarded $20,000 to the six district winners of our Women’s Opportunity Awards.
Founder Region accepted the challenge of the Renaissance Campaign and 100% of the clubs participated in the Women’s Opportunity Awards in both years of the biennium.
Deborah Santana, wife of Carlos Santana, was guest speaker at the twenty-ninth region conference held May 6, 7, 8 2005. She read excerpts from her book “Space Between the Stars” and spoke on how important it was to be a volunteer. After she spoke, she signed books that she had available for sale. So many of our members lined up in the foyer to purchase her book that the afternoon session was closed and the election results were moved to the evening session.
Kathryn Xian, the Non-Executive Director of “Safe Zone Foundation” and “Girl Fest Bay Area”, was the region winner of the “ Making A Difference for Women Award” and went on to win the Federation award.
Two clubs were chartered: Soroptimist International of 24-680 and Soroptimist International of Windsor.
Thank you for the honor that you bestowed on me by electing me your Governor for the 2004-2006 biennium. I will cherish the memories and the friendships that I have made for the rest of my life. I will continue to fight for the women and children who have no voices and I know that “Together We Can” improve the lives of women and girls in our local communities and throughout the world.Cathy Mitchell
2007-2009 SI/A Federation Director
Theme: "Together We Can"
Region Board
Governor-elect: Sue Finch
Secretary: Linda Sue Hansen
Treasurer: Joyce Strand
Directors District 1: April Rovero District 2: Norene Lowry District 3: Terry Baldwin District 4: Penny Solem District 5: Debbie Thompson District 6: Jane Murakami
Clubs Chartered Windsor 24/680
Region Conferences 2005 - San Ramon - Clubs in region: Registration: 2006 - Concord - Concord Hilton Clubs in region: 65 Registration: 185
First Governor and so far only Governor to be installed in Guam. It is a memory that I will cherish forever. The warmth, friendship, and love that we received from the members of the two clubs will never be forgotten.
Soroptimist International of the Americans introduced the Renaissance Campaign. Clubs were asked to focus on Program, Public Awareness, Membership and Fundraising. SIA funded the Women’s Opportunity Awards based on the number of clubs in each region. As a result, SIA awarded $20,000 to the six district winners of our Women’s Opportunity Awards.
Founder Region accepted the challenge of the Renaissance Campaign and 100% of the clubs participated in the Women’s Opportunity Awards in both years of the biennium.
Deborah Santana, wife of Carlos Santana, was guest speaker at the twenty-ninth region conference held May 6, 7, 8 2005. She read excerpts from her book “Space Between the Stars” and spoke on how important it was to be a volunteer. After she spoke, she signed books that she had available for sale. So many of our members lined up in the foyer to purchase her book that the afternoon session was closed and the election results were moved to the evening session.
Kathryn Xian, the Non-Executive Director of “Safe Zone Foundation” and “Girl Fest Bay Area”, was the region winner of the “ Making A Difference for Women Award” and went on to win the Federation award.
Two clubs were chartered: Soroptimist International of 24-680 and Soroptimist International of Windsor.
Thank you for the honor that you bestowed on me by electing me your Governor for the 2004-2006 biennium. I will cherish the memories and the friendships that I have made for the rest of my life. I will continue to fight for the women and children who have no voices and I know that “Together We Can” improve the lives of women and girls in our local communities and throughout the world.Cathy Mitchell
2006-2008 Founder Region Governor, Sue Finch
Soroptimist International of Eel River Valley
Theme: "Creating Magic Through Soroptimist Service"
Region Board Governor-elect: Amelia Benko Secretary: Linda Sue Hansen Treasurer: Debbie Thompson Directors District 1: Barbara L. Lanier District 2: Dona Gaddis-Wolf District 3: Bobbi Enderlin District 4: Helen A. Sager District 5: Bonnie Vukonich District 6: Judy Lee
Clubs Chartered
Region Conferences 2008 - San Ramon - Clubs in region: Registration: 2007 - San Ramon - Clubs in region:
Registration: more to come - revisit this page later
Theme: "Creating Magic Through Soroptimist Service"
Region Board Governor-elect: Amelia Benko Secretary: Linda Sue Hansen Treasurer: Debbie Thompson Directors District 1: Barbara L. Lanier District 2: Dona Gaddis-Wolf District 3: Bobbi Enderlin District 4: Helen A. Sager District 5: Bonnie Vukonich District 6: Judy Lee
Clubs Chartered
Region Conferences 2008 - San Ramon - Clubs in region: Registration: 2007 - San Ramon - Clubs in region:
Registration: more to come - revisit this page later
2008-2010 Founder Region Governor, Amelia Benko
Soroptimist International Theme: "Making A Difference Matters"
Region Board Governor-elect: Linda Sue Hansen Secretary: Dona Gaddis Wolf Treasurer: Debbie Thompson Directors District 1: Charlene Stamps District 2: Gloria Soderbery District 3: Bobbi Enderlin District 4: Sandra Frazer District 5: Ada Kornmeyer District 6: Sylvia Crafton
Region Conferences 2009 -San Ramon Marriott - San Ramon, CA ; Clubs in Region 57, Attendance -500; 2010 -Ihilani Resort & Spa – Ko Olina, Honolulu, Hawaii, Clubs in Region- 57, Attendance- 282
I have thanked you for the privilege of serving as Governor of this Region, but it must be said again that the value you placed on your own membership was my inspiration. I asked for 110%, your response was immeasurable. The successes of my biennium were a true reflection of the commitment and dedication of the membership of this Region. You can all be proud of two years of:
100% of clubs participating in the Womens Opportunity Award, honoring at least 114 women, we know it was many more.
100% of members donating to Founder Pennies
95% of clubs participating in the Violet Richardson Award
50% of clubs submitting Ruby Award applications
More than $120,000 raised to benefit the SIA Program Development Fund through the Club Campaign & Laurel Society
Founder Region Fellowship, recognizing fifteen women with grants totaling $140,000.
Awareness, advocacy and action regarding our international programs against sexual trafficking and exploitation and the hundreds of volunteer hours performed and the tens of thousands of dollars raised to benefit your local communities.
Amelia Benko
Region Board Governor-elect: Linda Sue Hansen Secretary: Dona Gaddis Wolf Treasurer: Debbie Thompson Directors District 1: Charlene Stamps District 2: Gloria Soderbery District 3: Bobbi Enderlin District 4: Sandra Frazer District 5: Ada Kornmeyer District 6: Sylvia Crafton
Region Conferences 2009 -San Ramon Marriott - San Ramon, CA ; Clubs in Region 57, Attendance -500; 2010 -Ihilani Resort & Spa – Ko Olina, Honolulu, Hawaii, Clubs in Region- 57, Attendance- 282
I have thanked you for the privilege of serving as Governor of this Region, but it must be said again that the value you placed on your own membership was my inspiration. I asked for 110%, your response was immeasurable. The successes of my biennium were a true reflection of the commitment and dedication of the membership of this Region. You can all be proud of two years of:
100% of clubs participating in the Womens Opportunity Award, honoring at least 114 women, we know it was many more.
100% of members donating to Founder Pennies
95% of clubs participating in the Violet Richardson Award
50% of clubs submitting Ruby Award applications
More than $120,000 raised to benefit the SIA Program Development Fund through the Club Campaign & Laurel Society
Founder Region Fellowship, recognizing fifteen women with grants totaling $140,000.
Awareness, advocacy and action regarding our international programs against sexual trafficking and exploitation and the hundreds of volunteer hours performed and the tens of thousands of dollars raised to benefit your local communities.
Amelia Benko