Soroptimists Present Annual Community Service Awards Celebrating Women’s History Month

Soroptimist International of Indian Rock, Inc. (SIIR) celebrated National Women’s History Month with its annual presentation of Making a Difference for Women Awards on March 4, 2026 at the Spring Mill Country Club in Ivyland, PA. The awards honor women leaders and organizations for their tireless, inspiring efforts to bring positive change, education, and empowerment to the lives of women, girls, and others living in our county and beyond.

The Organization Advancing the Status of Women Awardwas presented to Bucks County Community College (BCCC), specifically recognizing the efforts of the Bucks County Community College Foundation (BCCCF). The Foundation is responsible for the Salute to Mothers Scholarship Tea. Since its inception in 2007, this annual event has raised $330,000 for more than 225 deserving student mothers to continue their educational journeys at BCCC. This award was accepted by Dr. Samantha Gross, Dean of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at BCCC and member of the Scholarship Tea Committee.

SIIR became a contributing sponsor to the Salute to Mothers Scholarship Fund last year and in turn, established its own scholarship award: the BCCCF Salute to Mothers SIIR Scholarship Award. This award was presented to Alexis Kenny, a culinary arts major at BCCC. A single mother to a six-year-old daughter, Alexis is pursuing her dream of opening her own waffle shop—one that will nourish her community and show her daughter that anything is possible, even as a woman in a male-dominated industry. The Soroptimist Award is helping Alexis cover essential costs that financial aid doesn’t fully meet; e.g., books, fees, a knife set, and non-slip shoes. Thanks to this scholarship, Alexis knows that she is one step closer to her dream and showing her daughter that hard work and perseverance pay off.

The Women Helping Women Award was presented to Dorothy (Dot) Gaboda, who through her more than 30 years of service with the Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA), has been a steadfast and compassionate advocate for victims of sexual assault and other serious crimes. Her years of direct crisis response as a hotline and ER volunteer, combined with leadership-level advocacy, reflect Dot’s steadfast dedication to elevating the voices of survivors and ensuring they receive the support, respect, and justice they deserve. Dot truly exemplifies what it means to be a role model: steady, wise, compassionate and guided by an unwavering commitment to empower and lift others up.

The Woman of Distinction Award went to Patricia L. Mervine, historian and capital campaign chair at the African American Museum of Bucks County. Pat is a life-long resident of Bucks County, an author of numerous books, and a 20-year president of the Langhorne Council for the Arts. She spearheaded the historical research for a two-story mural that honors women from Langhorne who shattered glass ceilings. She is largely responsible for championing fundraising for the renovation of Boone Farm, which will be the permanent home of the African American Museum of Bucks County when it opens later this year.

Danielle Carradorini received the Violet Richardson Community Service Award, which honors young women 14 to 18 years of age who exhibit exemplary efforts of volunteering. Danielle, a senior at Villa Joseph Marie High School, is a caring, compassionate, and creative young woman whose volunteer activities are committed to making her community and the world a better place. Some of her many volunteerism efforts include Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Academy, I Thirst Ministry in Kensington, Redeemer Valley Farm in Huntingdon Valley, Holland Village, St. Albert the Great Church, and the service club at her high school.

SIIR also presented their annual Live Your Dream awards, which assist women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families and give them the resources they need to improve their education, skills, and employment prospects. The Live Your Dream Award was presented to Deanna Bembury, who is pursuing a nursing degree at BCCC. Deanna has worked full-time since age 19 after getting her CNA license, while devoting herself to her profession and raising 4 children. She wants to specialize in wound care and possibly continue her employment at St. Luke’s Hospital. The Ginny Cooper Live Your Dream Award was presented to Desiree Delvalle, who wants to expand her horizons and become an MRI technician. Despite early setbacks in life and mothering 2 young children, Desiree completed a CNA degree and currently works full-time as a Patient Care Technician at Jefferson Bucks Hospital. Both Deanna and Desiree are pursuing the additional training needed to offer more opportunities to their children and increase their ability to assist those who are facing their own health challenges.

Lastly, SIIR honored Spring Mill Country Club (SMCC) with their 2026 Community Partner of the Year Award for their continuous support and generosity in making a difference in the lives of women and girls. SMCC has partnered with SIIR for more than 30 years and has become the home base for all SIIR meetings and fundraising events. In 2025, owners Jamie Walters and Erik Travers provided SIIR with a unique opportunity with Tito’s Vodka to help raise awareness of our mission and presented SIIR with a $2500 donation from this campaign, which will continue this year.

SIIR is one of 1,000 Soroptimist clubs in 20 countries and territories in the Americas and Pacific Rim that empower women and girls through a variety of volunteer projects. Efforts include cash grants for education, hands-on efforts to end domestic violence, career mentoring for girls, women’s health initiatives, and many other community-based projects. Our federation is one of five federations that make up Soroptimist International, which operates in more than 120 countries throughout the world. For more information, visit investindreams.org.