Soroptimist is an international organization for women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world. Over 160,000 Soroptimist members in about 121 countries and territories contribute time and financial support to community–based and international projects. Learn about Soroptimist history.

Here is a little local history. From the Elk Grove Citizen, June 20, 1962, Mrs. Muriel Blodgett of Elk Grove was installed as the president of the Sacramento Soroptimist Club in the Sacramento Inn on Thursday, June 14.

Installation officer was Blanche Edgar, aunt of Mrs. Blodgett, and past governor of the southwestern region of the Soroptimist club. Mrs. Edgar has been credited with forming over 100 Soroptimist clubs, the last being formed in Tokyo, Japan three years ago.

For those who don’t know these names, the Blodgett family still farms in the local area. I remember the Blodgett-Ostman Tree Farm in Sloughhouse, one of the region’s the first choose and cut Christmas tree farms. The ranch also own the membership bass fishing pond in the eastern part of the county at Grant Line Road and Keifer Blvd.

The name, Soroptimist, means “best for women,” and that’s what the organization strives to achieve. Soroptimists are women at their best, working to help other women to be their best.

Become a member and unite with women of all ages, cultures and ethnic groups as we work to make our community and the world a better place for other women and girls.

Founded in 1985, Soroptimist International of Elk Grove (SIEG) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Corporation.

Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent provided by United States law. Our federal taxpayer ID number is available upon request.

One of our international projects is to provide solar panels and solar cookers to provide electricity to remote villages and to eliminate the need for women to leave their village in search of firewood. Leaving the protection of the village leaves women vulnerable to violence.