Soroptimists shimmy south of the border for fund-raiser

Ladies can shake their maracas and put their cha-cha in gear as the Soroptimist International of Carson City fund-raiser shimmies south of the border Sept. 8 at the Pinon Plaza Resort pool.

The women-only, fiesta-themed event runs from 6-10 p.m. and raises money for service projects and for Soroptimist Legal Fund efforts benefiting low-income victims of domestic violence.

Tickets are $50 per person, with just a few left. They can be purchased through Karen Bowers at 841-4441 or at the following locations:

Carson City Chamber of Commerce, Brewery Arts Center, Kennedy's Books, National Best Sellers real estate office, State Farm Insurance Marilyn Lewis Agency and by arrangement at the Pinion Plaza by calling Jennifer Russell at 885-9000, extension 1014.

Attendees will enjoy pinata games, a raffle, live and silent auctions, surprise live entertainment, Mexican food and endless margaritas served by men from the community doubling as waiters.

"This will be a fun night out with the girls to raise money for good causes," said Karen Bowers, Soroptimist assistant treasurer, adding that the raffle and auctions will be some of the evening's highlights.

The raffle and silent auction will showcase gifts donated by people and businesses. Bidders at the live auction will compete for such grown-up goodies as a neighborhood bar tour, an upscale bar tour and a slumber party for eight women complete with transportation, food and sleeping space.

Bowers said she expects Soroptimist to raise about $12,500 from ticket sales and about $5,000 from the raffle and auctions, with most of the money going to the Legal Fund.

What the fund does, she explained, "is help domestic violence victims get out of bad situations. We help them with the legal assistance they couldn't otherwise afford."

The Fund enlists attorneys on behalf of victims and loans them legal fees so they can proceed with court actions. Victims are referred to the Fund by Advocates to End Domestic Violence in Carson City, Family Support Council in Douglas County and by domestic violence shelters.

Fund assistance applicants must meet federal poverty guidelines, attend counseling sessions and must have been victims of domestic violence in the prior four months. They must also demonstrate a wish to change their lives by leaving the abusive environment.

Bowers said there are sometimes more applicants to the Fund than there is money to assist them.

C.J. Taylor, Soroptimist administrator, estimated the Legal Fund accepts about 50 new clients per year.

f you go

What: Soroptimist legal fund-raiser

When 6-10 p.m. Sept. 8

Cost: $50

Tickets available through: Carson City Chamber of Commerce, Brewery Arts Center, Kennedy's Books, National Best Sellers real estate office, State Farm Insurance Marilyn Lewis Agency and by arrangement at the Pinon Plaza by calling Jennifer Russell at 885-9000, extension 1014.

For more information: Call Karen Bowers at 841-4441