Soroptimist International of Capitola-By-The-Sea, is working together with BFF, a woman-owned retail vintage and recycled clothing boutique in Capitola, to raise funds for Soroptimist programs. BFF is located in the Mercantile building on the Esplanade in Capitola Village.
Under the agreement, Soroptimist members and friends are donating gently-used clothing and accessories to BFF owner, Terri Foster, who then shares proceeds from the sale of Soroptimist-donated items with the club. All Soroptimist-donated items have specially marked tags indicating that the purchase of that item helps Capitola Soroptimists fund awards and other programs for women and girls.
“We thought this relationship was a fantastic win-win on multiple levels,” explained Soroptimist President Katie Elstad. “Our club helps a woman-owned business and that business helps women and girls of Santa Cruz County further their education through our Live Your Dream awards program.”
Capitola Soroptimist presents Live Your Dream awards annually to women who are enrolled in or have been accepted into a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program, who are the heads of their households and demonstrate financial need. The cash award may be used to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, including books, childcare and transportation.
“This is such a worthwhile and important cause that I wanted to be a part of it,” said Foster, who has had her shop for approximately three years. “I am proud to be a Soroptimist, and enjoy volunteering when I am able, but with very little time to spare, I decided this project/partnership would be the best way for me to help. And, I very much appreciate the support provided to me as a woman-owned business by the Capitola Soroptimists.”
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Soroptimist improves the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. For more information, or to become a member willing to work to help us help women and girls, visit the SI Capitola website at www.best4women.org or contact SI Capitola at [email protected].