Soroptimist donates annual sale proceeds to international groups

Soroptimist of Whitefish will donate the proceeds of their Thrift Haus sales from Wednesday, Oct. 25 through Saturday, Oct. 28 to Doctors Without Borders and the International Rescue Committee.

The sale is to fulfill a request by Ruth and Sam Neff, founders of an annual Whitefish yard sale fundraiser for the global relief organizations.

After running the fundraiser nearly continuously since 2001, the Neffs looked for help as the popularity of the sale made it a larger venture each year.

“The Neffs’ sale had turned into a tradition in Whitefish,” said Soroptimist President Jennifer George. “People looked forward to it and expected it. We’re so happy that we can continue the tradition through our Thrift Haus.”

Doctors Without Borders and the International Rescue Committee provide aid during humanitarian crises around the world while Soroptimist International’s mission is to improve the lives of girls and women, so their missions are well matched, noted George.

The local Soroptimists donated over $200,000 to various projects last year, raising funds from the Thrift Haus. Their impact is felt locally through scholarships, the Expanding Your Horizons STEM conference for junior high girls, the Smile of Hope dental assistance program, and many other projects spearheaded by members.

Soroptimist Thrift Haus is located at the corner of Lupfer and First streets in Whitefish, and is open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday from noon until 4 p.m.