For the second year in a row, Soroptimists International of Olympia will host its South Sound Exceptional Woman Awards Banquet.

The purpose of the gathering is to honor women who help their organizations, both internally and externally, and who make their communities a better place. It will be held May 4 at the Indian Summer Golf and Country Club.

Founded in Oakland, California, in 1921, Soroptimist International seeks to bring about change to the lives of women and girls worldwide.

"Olympia Soroptimist's purpose is to further our mission to assist women and girls to gain education (that) empowers them to move forward emotionally, economically and personally in their lives," wrote Karen Hall, a co-chair for the banquet, in an email.

The Olympia chapter numbers about 30 women who are part of a global organization of about 74,000 members in more than 120 countries.

"Our club makes money to give it away," Hall continued, "in order to keep the focus on improving the lives of girls and women."

Hall pointed out that the organization helps members become the best they can be through meetings, positions on committees and leadership roles. She also extended an invitation to the Joint Base Lewis-McChord community.

One such member from JBLM is Maggie Connors, Hall's banquet co-chair.

"Being a member has helped me focus my efforts back to my values," Connors wrote in an email. "Being a part of Soroptimist allows me to serve women and girls around the world and expand my impact further than I thought was possible."

The awards banquet will honor women from organizations across the South Sound including Karen Getchell from the Association of the United States Army and Kelly Chambers from Puget Sound Honor Flight.

"We are very proud of all of these women," Hall added. "In the last two years, we have/will award women from Team Red, White and Blue; Puget Sound Honor Flight; and the Association of the United States Army."

Other honorees include Chandra Brady, Sarah Clifthorne, Tessa Effland, Dagmar Growe, Connie Guthrie, Kathleen Harmon, Stacy Hicks, Toy Kay, Susan Kim, Nancy LaPointe, Pam McClure, Tanya Mote, Mary Pontarolo, Bea Rector, Joyce Rommel, Bridget Sipher, Rae Anne Toth and Kim Wyman.  

Those interested in the Olympia Soroptimists can reach the club president at siolympia@soroptimist.net.

2018 South Sound Exceptional Woman Awards Banquet, doors open 6 p.m., dinner 7 p.m., Friday, May 4, Indian Summer Golf and Country Club, 5900 Troon Lane SE, Olympia, $75, buytickets.at/olympiasoroptimists/146820