Soroptimists Honoring 4 Women Who Inspire, Help Others

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Four local women will be honored Monday evening for their efforts to help themselves and other women at the Soroptimist International of the Central Jersey Coast annual Soroptimist Awards dinner.

Soroptimist International is "a global volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment," according to its website.

The Central Jersey Coast awards dinner will honor the following women:

Mariella J. Pedercini of Howell has received the Live Your Dream Award, acknowledging her pursuit of certification in the medical field. The Live Your Dream Award, Empowerment through Education, is given to a female head of household, working to improve the lives of herself and her children through further education.

Amy VanBezooijen and Kim Santora of The HOPE Centerin Toms River are recipients of the Ruby Award, Women Helping Women. The Ruby Award is presented to a woman who has improved the lives of other women through professional endeavors. VanBezooijen and Santora are professional staff members of The HOPE Center, which helps people faced with a life crisis by providing support, resources, referrals and food as they work to overcome it. They "serve clients with dignity and compassion," the awards news release said. They work to empower each person to achieve the greatest level of self-sufficiency.

Hannah Misyak is the recipient of the Violet Richardson Award, Honoring Young Women for Volunteer Action. Misyak is a senior at Howell High School. Through her membership as a Girl Scout, she earned both the Bronze and Silver Award, both requiring specific badge work culminating in a service project appropriate for each level. Additionally, Misyak is passionate about animal rescue and has devoted many hours to the Rescue Ridge shelter. She has designed and implemented “4 Paws Sake Family Fun Fest,” a charity event to benefit rescue animals in pursuit of her Girl Scout Gold Award.

The dinner is Monday, April 9, at 6 p.m. at LaBove Grande Restaurant, Lakehurst.

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