Zonta presidency pictured: Carol Dickson Club President, Francie Michelon Foundation President, and Beth Williams Club Treasurer

Since the year 1919, an organization called Zonta has existed for the sole purpose of advancing the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. The Grants Pass chapter was established in 1947 to perform these things for women in our community, as well as several important projects to benefit us as a whole. The Grants Pass chapter is one of more that 1200 worldwide.

The Zonta Foundation, which was established in 2002, organizes fundraisers every year, as well as many community service projects such as donating time for Habitat for Humanity homes, Kids Care Fair, Asante Hospital birthing center, Lovejoy Hospice, Boys and Girls Club, Women’s Crisis Support Team, Wellness on Wheels, Paint Your Heart Out, YMCA, Food Share, as well as many others. Zonta’s most memorable scholarship is the Jane M. Klausman Scholarship given to young women in business programs in college and university settings.

Every year, awards are given to influential women in our community. The recipients of the Community Woman of the Year award are women who have had an impact on education, environment, and leadership. Also, in honor of a well-known Zonta member as well as a past President, the Shirley Campbell Memorial Award is presented to an outstanding Zonta member. Lastly, the Zonta Rose award is a secret honor, given to a woman or man who makes great effort in his or her field to go above and beyond the normal expectations.

Throughout the year, the women of Zonta are very busy especially this Christmas season. They have planned great community help events, such as stocking the nearly empty Josephine County Food Bank and providing gifts for the youth in the Josephine County Youth Correction Facility. The club has also decided to “adopt” a family with a history of mental health issues. This particular family has shelter, but no funds for Christmas. The Zonta Club of Grants Pass will buy Christmas gifts as well as dinner for the family.

The Zonta Club of Grants Pass is “building bridges of opportunity for others” and our entire community benefits from this wonderful organization each and every year. The message these wonderful women would like to send to the community is that everyone is equal and knowledge is power. Each and every woman, man, and child in the world deserves friendship, support, and encouragement. If you would like to become a member or would like more information on the Zonta Club of Grants Pass, please visit zontagrantspass.org.