Community Corner
Mrs. Virginia Appears with Local Soroptimists in Christmas Parade
Local Club and Pageant Winner Both Want to Improve the Lives of Women and Girls
MANASSAS, Virginia—On Saturday, December 1, one of the largest local Christmas parades featured an appearance by Manassas local, the current Mrs. Virginia, Eileen Vega. Mrs. Vega appeared in the 73rd Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade on a float sponsored by local volunteer service organization, Soroptimist International of Manassas. Mrs. Vega lent her support to the organization because its mission of improving the lives of women and girls in their local community and worldwide closely aligns with her personal beliefs as the mother of two young daughters and as the statewide representative for contemporary married women, who often balance family, career and service.
Soroptimist International of Manassas participated in the parade in order to increase public awareness about their organization. Founded in 1956, the club currently has 33 members who raise money to support their education grant program, the Live Your Dream Award, and who also participate in hands-on projects such as providing toiletries and bi-monthly meals to the residents at the ACTS Safe House and conducting a career mentoring workshop for girls at the Prince William County Juvenile Detention Center. Current club president, Jamilah Dalton, stated, “When I joined the club four years ago, I discovered a group of women with a rich history of giving back in the Manassas area. I want more of the community to know about our club so that legacy can continue for many years to come.”
The Manassas club is part of Soroptimist International of the Americas, a global organization that works to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Manassas members join with almost 80,000 Soroptimists in about 120 countries and territories to contribute time and financial support to community-based projects benefiting women and girls. For more information about how Soroptimist International of Manassas improves the lives of women and girls, visit www.simanassas.org.
