Women Honoring Women sets fundraiser

By PATTY HUTCHENS

Contributing writer

SANDPOINT — Looking to unwind after the holidays and reconnect with friends? Come by Pend d’Oreille Winery on Thursday, Jan. 18, from 4-7 p.m. and enjoy wine, shopping and visiting with friends while also giving back to the community.

Women Honoring Women is hosting a Sip ‘n Shop that will benefit its scholarship program for graduating seniors and a continuing post-secondary scholarship.

“Scholarship donations are always accepted,” said Women Honoring Women’s President Kari Sacccomanno, who adds that the group has awarded a total of 37 scholarships since 2002. Women Honoring Women recognizes, on an annual basis, “Women of Wisdom” — women 65 years of age and older who have given back to the community in various ways through volunteer efforts. The organization also does its share of supporting young women through the scholarship program.

According to committee member Marlene Rorke, they receive approximately 40 to 50 scholarship applications each year, including those for continuing college students. “Application forms can be picked up at the Sandpoint High School counselors’ office for all Bonner County high schools,” said Rorke.

There are six criteria considered when awarding scholarships — leadership, inspiration, love of learning, vision/collaboration, community service and grace, courage and integrity — the same criteria that the committee looks to when choosing the Women of Wisdom.

“We use the same rubric and score sheet,” said committee member Jeralyn Mire. “We do have some lively discussions, and it is often very hard to chose.”

For many students, the scholarships received can make the difference in deciding not only which college to attend, but in some cases whether or not they will actually pursue post-secondary education.

Lauren Sfeir is one of the recipients of the Women Honoring Women scholarships and is currently attending Whitworth University, a school she wasn’t sure she would be able to attend due to the cost. “Receiving scholarships made my dream of going to Whitworth come true as I didn’t have to settle for a less expensive school,” said Lauren. Lauren was very active while attending Sandpoint High School participating in yearbook, the school newspaper and honor society, among many other things. She expressed her gratitude to the Women Honoring Women in a thank you note stating, “I will make sure that your decision will not go to waste and hope to represent Sandpoint well in my undergraduate studies.”

She also shared that the Women Honoring Women organization has motivated her to want to serve her community even more and hopes to be remembered one day as someone who left a mark on the world, just as many of the Women of Wisdom have done.

Kendall Stratton is 24 years old and is a two-time past recipient of the scholarship and now sits on the Women Honoring Women committee.

“I wanted to be on the committee because watching what my mom and all the other women did to honor women within our community, I thought it was phenomenal,” said Stratton. “In such a small place such as Sandpoint, the women here have made tremendous impacts on our everyday lives. The organizations they have created, the hardships they have conquered, and their never-ending selflessness to support people of all ages in our community is truly inspirational. I am lucky to be a part of such a powerful female community in this beautiful town of Sandpoint.”

Mark your calendars as you won’t want to miss this great opportunity to connect with friends, do some shopping and give back to the youth in our community. The Sip ‘n Shop will take place at Pend d’Oreille Winery from 4 to 7pm on Thursday, January 18 with a portion of the proceeds going to the Women Honoring Women scholarship fund.