Note: photos shared by volunteers with the South Whidbey Soroptimists Club
This year’s third annual Whidbey Women & Art Show was a success in its fundraising goals for the South Whidbey Soroptimists Club.
“All the money we fundraise over the year goes toward scholarships,” said Elin Waldal, SW Soroptimist club’s past president for 2022-2023, and one of the committee who planned the art show the past year. We offer three high school scholarships, one Live Your Dream Award, and two women’s opportunity awards.”
South Whidbey Soroptimists Club was chartered in 1989 and is one of three clubs on Whidbey Island. Soroptimists are a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.
The show is a win-win for the artists, the Soroptimist Club, and the winery: artists sell and show their work, the club charges a booth rental fee, which goes towards its scholarship funds; and Dancing Fish Vineyards wine can be sampled.
“Just the fact that it was the third year, we’ve gained traction in the community,” Elin added. “People were looking forward to it. As a team we knew what to expect.”
With more than 30 women artists, the event enjoyed good weather, the generosity of sponsors, the fact that Dancing Fish donates its space, and local businesses provided free parking for shuttles. Jupiter Coffee donated its famous scones.
“The fact that it is women only artists helps support our mission, which is to provide training and education so women can be economically empowered,” Elin added. “We had a lot of new artists this year.”
This year, a food truck served hotdogs, drinks and chips—Dave’s DLUX BBQ.
Other fundraisers hosted by the Soroptimists include a Shred it fundraiser Oct. 7 at the Heritage Bank in Freeland from 10 AM to 2 PM.
Read here about one of the Soroptimist’s high school students who won a scholarship this year.