About SI/Desert Tucson – SIDT
SIDT was chartered in 1976 and has been serving Tucson since then with a unique combination of hands on projects and fund raising to help other organizations implement programs for local women and girls. Over the years we have donated over $500,000 to the Tucson Community and logged over 10,000 hours of volunteer service.
Our goal has been to helped small programs flourish and become integral parts of our community. Most notably is the Tu Nidito program that started out as Candle Lighters with a Soroptimist grant years ago. This small program to provide support for families of children with cancer has grown into the wonderful organization it is today.
Fundraising is a big part of Soroptimist. For over 25 years we had a Fashion Show Fundraiser at La Paloma. We have been known for our unique Silent Auction for years. Recently we have started doing a Life is Rich fundraiser. We raise an average of $25,000 a year and use the bulk of that money to promote the status of women and girls here in Tucson.
Hands on service projects remain our passion. Over the years we have painted women’s shelters, helped build houses, delivered Christmas Baskets and Meals on Wheels, cleaned up yards and provided meals for the homeless to name a few.
We print shoe cards with information for victims of domestic violence for medical offices and businesses to place in their restrooms. This is an excellent reference that a woman can hide in her shoe with information on resources available in the Tucson community.
Currently we are volunteering once a month a local school with 5th grade girls. We provide a lunchtime programs designed to broaden their horizons and improve basic math skills through fun activities and crafts.
Mentoring is another aspect of our hands-on service. We partner with the PROGRESS! Program at Pima Community College where we present workshops on “Dressing for Success”, “Resume and Interviewing Tips”, and “Networking Effectively”. We also find a one on one mentor for career specific advice. It is amazing how a small amount of effort can make such a difference in a woman’s life.
We have fun with every project and social we have. Most importantly we support each other personally and professionally. We mentor each other and help each member to be the best woman she can be.
