Soroptimist International of Zanesville Celebrates 85 Years of Service

ZANESVILLE, OH – Soroptimist International of Zanesville is celebrating 85 years of service to the community this year.

Soroptimist is a global organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls through their programs that provide education, economic empowerment, as well as other opportunities to achieve their full potential.

“[We were] Chartered in 1941, a group of women, Soroptimist means best for women.” Valencia Clark, a 40 year member of Soroptimist, said. “And a group of women got together to see how we can serve our community better. They started off by getting projects started, they were educating women that were in the school districts, saw issues with children’s health, dental health, so one of our major projects has, been through the years, is the Zanesville City Schools dental unit and supplying supplies for that. So that’s been one major project that actually began in 1942.”

Amy Hursey, the District Secretary for Soroptimist of Zanesville, says they also started the Stars Program, the Latch key Program, as well the Tour of Homes.

She says they are the longest serving club here in Zanesville and are excited to celebrate this milestone with the community.

“We decided we wanted to have a year of service, so that’s what we’re calling it.” Hursey said. “We’re leaning heavily into that 85, so we’re trying to plan a Glow Bowling with an 80’s theme and we’re just doing a lot of events. Like the wellness event, we want to do the Glow Bowling, we’re trying to plan a music bingo, and then a lot of community service projects.”

The Wellness for Women’s event will be held on January 31st, at First Christian Church, located at 3000 Dresden Rd.