1920s: A Foundation for Service

The story of Soroptimist International began in 1921 when Stuart Morrow visited a secretarial school in Oakland, California, and discovered a woman leading the institution. Inspired by this, he helped form a women's service club modeled after the Rotary—one based on vocational fellowship and service. In Portland, organization efforts led by Leah Thies began in 1925, culminating in the chartering of the Soroptimist Club of Portland on February 9, 1926, with 65 founding members. In 1927, Portland joined seven other western clubs to purchase the rights to the Soroptimist name, ensuring the organization’s independence and future. Early meetings took place at the Heathman Hotel, and later at the Benson Hotel. The club’s first banquet was a grand affair, welcomed by city leaders and fellow service clubs.

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1930s: Building a Legacy of Community Support

As the Great Depression swept the nation, Soroptimist International of Portland rose to meet the community’s growing needs. Members initiated a number of projects, including the creation of the “Soroptimist Walk” at Doernbecher Memorial Hospital in 1933, featuring a granite bench and tree-lined pathway. The decade ended with the international handkerchief bazaar benefiting the Portland Junior Symphony, featuring donations from around the world—including a handkerchief from playwright George Bernard Shaw and another signed by the Prince of Wales. Members supported disabled veterans through the Red Poppy Sale, donated dolls to Toy and Joy Makers, sold Christmas Seals to support tuberculosis prevention, and even created a rare book collection for Timberline Lodge. The first Venture Club for young professional women was founded in 1939, and the club’s internal newsletter, Soropti-Chat, began this decade. Alongside their service, members nurtured fellowship and fun. The Portland club hosted popular events such as “Modeling Day” fashion shows and dinners with costumed entertainment—lively gatherings that reflected the camaraderie and creativity woven into the club’s service tradition.

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1940s: Rising to Wartime Challenges

The 1940s brought global conflict and national unity. During WWII, the Portland club contributed to the war effort through recreational and educational support for Navy personnel, book donations for Russian children, and funding for nursing students in China. The war shuttered Soroptimist clubs in Asia and Europe, but American clubs, including Portland, remained active. On the home front, rationing, war bonds, and victory gardens became the norm, and Soroptimists stepped up in civic and social service. After the war, global rebuilding efforts began and Soroptimist Portland remained engaged, contributing to the growth and resilience of the international sisterhood.  

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Eva C. Meyer, an early member of Soroptimist Portland, served as Secretary-Treasurer of Fred Meyer, Inc. and was widely recognized as a leading community philanthropist. In 1943, she was honored as Soroptimist of the Year for her outstanding philanthropic leadership.

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1950s: Creating Spaces for Women

In partnership with Portland Parks & Recreation, the Portland club opened the Soroptimist Service Center in 1950—a space dedicated to enriching the lives of older women. The Center welcomed women ages 50 to 96, offering them social connection, recreation, and dignity. By 1953, it had 250 members and hosted more than 6,600 visits. The Grace Phelps Memorial Fund was also established to support student nurses, honoring the legacies of two Soroptimist nurses who served in WWI. Additional service included Mother’s Day gifts for residents at Edgefield Manor and support for the Salvation Army’s White Shield Home, a refuge for unwed mothers. Soroptimists even established a “Birthday Memorial” fund to support White Shield’s nursery—a project spearheaded by Eva Meyer and later renamed in her honor. The decade also marked the club’s 25th anniversary celebration.

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1960s: Expanding Horizons and Global Impact

As the Soroptimist Service Center concluded its successful 10-year run, the club’s focus turned to supporting youth and global development. The Sunrise Program helped Portland high school girls cover emergency needs, and the club funded tuition for an aspiring Nigerian doctor studying at Lewis & Clark College. Equipment and appliances were donated to local rehabilitation and children's centers. Soroptimist Portland also joined national efforts to rebuild war-affected European clubs and contributed to Oregon’s aging services through leadership and funding. The decade also saw significant member contributions like the donation of Overlook House, which became a neighborhood center. The club celebrated its 40th anniversary in 1966 with over 100 members and a growing global network.

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1970s: Innovation and Advocacy

The 1970s brought new community investments, including furnishing a dormitory at the White Shield Home and refurbishing Overlook House. These efforts earned SI Portland recognition as one of the Oregon Journal’s Clubs of Achievement. In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the club funded the first permanent building at a camp for deaf children. Public policy engagement increased as members joined the Governor’s Task Force for International Women’s Year and opposed budget cuts affecting the elderly. The club also began supporting CPR education by purchasing a Resusa-Annie training mannequin. In 1979, Soroptimist Portland launched the Champagne Festival of Arts fundraiser and supported Raphael House, a shelter for women and children escaping domestic violence.

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1980s: Growth, Global Ties, and New Initiatives
The 1980s were a dynamic decade of service, philanthropy, and international engagement for Soroptimist International of Portland. Members balanced professional achievements with deep civic involvement, supporting a wide range of causes that empowered women, children, and vulnerable populations. The club contributed more than $70,000 to local programs, including significant donations to the Eastco Center, the Morrison Center’s therapeutic preschool, Multnomah County’s Options Program, and the YWCA Emancipation Program. SIP also backed youth education through the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Department and donated clothing to young mothers in need.

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Cultural and civic engagement flourished as well. The club launched the Rose Festival Court Drivers Luncheon to honor outstanding local youth and hosted visiting delegates from Sapporo, Japan, strengthening Portland’s Sister City ties. Members also continued to support respite care programs, contributed to the Mere Center, and helped beautify Portland by funding benches in Pioneer Courthouse Square. With growing involvement both locally and globally, the 1980s marked a decade of celebration, leadership, and expanded impact.

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1990s: Growth and Leadership
The 1990s saw continued community support and increased visibility for Soroptimist Portland. Members focused on professional development, education, and strategic growth. They deepened their influence in the city’s civic landscape while expanding mentorship and leadership training.

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2000s: Education at the Core

The 2000s were a decade of growth, tradition, and deep community impact for Soroptimist International of Portland. The club’s signature Gala & Auction fundraiser became a cherished annual tradition, raising critical funds to support programs that empower women and girls. Alongside this springtime event, members also gathered each year for a holiday celebration that combined festive spirit with charitable giving to local nonprofits—a practice that would carry on for years to come.

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Soroptimist Portland was highly active in community outreach and fundraising, finding creative ways to give back. In 2007, for example, members raised $7,000 by selling strawberry shortcake at local New Seasons Markets, with proceeds supporting organizations such as Bradley-Angle House, Raphael House, and the YWCA. The club also continued its cornerstone educational awards programs, offering the Women’s Opportunity Award (now known as the Live Your Dream Award) and scholarships to help women overcome adversity and pursue education and career goals.

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Monthly club meetings—often held at The Benson Hotel—provided opportunities for members to connect, learn, and lead. These gatherings featured guest speakers and community-focused discussions, reinforcing the club’s mission to advance the lives of women and girls through education, support, and empowerment.

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2010s: Strengthening Impact and Legacy

During the 2010s, Soroptimist International of Portland expanded its impact through vibrant fundraising events, educational programs, and community advocacy. The Annual Gala Dinner and Auction emerged as a signature event, combining elegant evening gatherings with mission-focused fundraising. The 2012 Gala at the Sheraton Hotel raised over $5,000 for the Oregon Food Bank and exemplified the club’s ability to bring members and supporters together in support of local causes.

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The club continued to strengthen its educational mission through the Live Your Dream Award, providing financial support to women pursuing higher education, many of whom were overcoming domestic violence or other hardships. The launch of the Dream It, Be It program mid-decade offered career guidance to teenage girls, helping them build confidence and envision brighter futures. Community involvement included participation in global campaigns like One Billion Rising and local projects such as the “Gift of Lift” bra drive.

 

Monthly luncheons, relocated from the Benson Hotel in downtown Portland to the Old Spaghetti Factory along the Willamette River, remained a key part of member engagement. Featuring guest speakers and networking opportunities, these gatherings supported both personal development and the club’s mission to empower women and girls through education and community connection.

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2020s: Resilience, Innovation, and Looking Ahead

Despite the challenges of the pandemic era, Soroptimist International of Portland adapted by transitioning to virtual events before returning to in-person Monthly Membership Luncheons. The club also successfully reorganized its fundraising strategy to include two yearly online auctions, including the annual Rose High Tea & Auction each spring. Our Annual Holiday Membership Meeting continues the club’s tradition of charitable giving, hosting donation drives to support other local organizations, ranging from rain boots for an elementary school gardening program to diapers for new mothers.

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The Live Your Dream Awards remained a vital part of our mission, empowering women to pursue education and build better futures. We also launched the "Grow Every Dream" GED coaching program to further support educational access. Through hands-on projects and strong community involvement, the club honored its legacy while actively preparing for its 100th anniversary in 2026.

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2026 and Beyond
As SIP celebrates a century of service, its mission remains firm: empowering women and girls through education and community support. With a legacy of impact and a vibrant membership, the club is poised to lead into its second century of service.