Soroptimist International of Davie’s annual awards banquet took on a delightful twist this year with “Lunch at the Opera,” thanks to club member Alexandra Zalis. Guests were treated to a moving performance and presentation by Tania Gold, a former Ukrainian opera singer. Tania shared her personal journey from Ukraine to the U.S. and how she founded Artistic Voices Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting communities through the arts. She was joined by vocalists Annabelle Calles and Isaac Rodrigues, with pianist Voljtech Trubac, filling the room with powerful music and emotion.
Club president Mary Anna Giordano proudly announced the 2024–2025 recipients of the Live Your Dream (LYD) and Youth Leadership Awards (YLA), as well as Community Partner Grants. This year’s LYD winners—Gabrielle Hayles, Tim-Valda Jean, and Viktoria Szilagyi—each shared heartfelt stories of perseverance and hope. Claire-Anya Likhachyov, a student at Archbishop McCarthy High School, earned the YLA honor for her volunteerism and founding a STEM Mentor Club for girls. Each awardee received a certificate, a sunflower bouquet, a commemorative bracelet, and a grant to support their goals.
Since its founding 42 years ago, SI Davie has awarded over $300,000 to women, girls, and community partners. The club is part of Soroptimist International, a global organization whose Live Your Dream program provides over $2.9 million annually to women who are heads of households. In the past 50 years, this initiative has helped tens of thousands of women worldwide build better lives for themselves and their families.
True to its name, Soroptimist—meaning “best for women”—the Davie club offers friendship, purpose, and the joy of making a difference. Now is a great time to join and be part of something impactful.
Learn more at sidavie.org or email presidentsidavie@gmail.com.
