The determination to empower fellow women and girls is shown in the 75-year milestone of Soroptimist Club of Whitefish. 

In 1951, about 20 women in Whitefish came together to form the organization. The club held fundraisers and events over the years to help fund scholarships for women and other community projects, like Soroptimist Park.  

Whitefish’s anniversary comes on the heels of Soroptimist International of the Americas own 100-year anniversary in 2019. 

“Your longevity is a testament to your passion, perseverance, and belief in a world where all women can live their dreams,” the International organization’s board members wrote as they recognized the Whitefish anniversary.  

“A significant anniversary such as this provides the opportunity to reflect upon and celebrate your many accomplishments locally and what you are a part of globally,” wrote Soroptimist International President Sue Riney. 

Soroptimist International has a “Big Goal” for 2021-2031 of investing in half a million women and girls through access to education. The initiative aims to quadruple the number of women and girls served in the previous decade.  

Whitefish Soroptimists will continue to contribute to this monumental goal through several programs, including Live Your Dream, which provides grants to women to offset tuition, transportation or childcare costs, and Dream it, Be it, which focuses on educating adolescent girls. Annually, Whitefish Soroptimists provide grants to area nonprofits that support women and girls; 2025 recipients were Abbie Shelter, Bridgercare, STEAM Alliance, and Senior Mobile Home Repair.  

Since its beginning in 1951, offering scholarships to graduating high school seniors and college students has been another core focus for the Soroptimists. The newer Smile of Hope provides grants for dental care. Whitefish Soroptimists also participate in global human trafficking awareness efforts.  

The Whitefish Thrift Haus, “where shopping is giving,” is a separate nonprofit. It continues to be a core funder of Soroptimist grants.