Soroptimist International of Hood River

Women of Distinction 2011: Winners Announced!

Cathy Carter and Elizabeth Garber are the 2011 winners of the Soroptimist International of Hood River’s Women of Distinction Award. Each year since 1975, SIHR has worked with community organizations to honor women whose work in a professional or volunteer capacity makes a significant difference in the quality of life in our community.

The awards luncheon will be held on Wednesday, November 2nd from 11:30- 1pm at the Gorge Room at the Best Western Hood River Inn. Tickets for the luncheon are $18 each and available at Waucoma Bookstore.

Cathy Carter grew up in Hood River and has been involved in planning many philanthropic events. Presently she is the Executive Director for Heart of Hospice Foundation. Since 1997 Carter has also been the founder and Principal Organizer of the Fashion Show Gala which benefits the Christmas Project. She volunteers at area schools and has organized the YoHoHs--- Youth of Heart of Hospices, a high school group, whose goal is to bring joy and comfort into the daily lives of hospice patients. Carter also organized the Peg Lalor Rocks party to benefit of Gorge Games founder Peg Lalor after her injury.

Cathy Carter is a creative thinker and has great insight when it comes to marketing and fundraising. But more importantly, people respond to her enthusiasm, passion and sincerity,’ said Jodi Goatcher, Executive Director of Heart of Hospice.

Elizabeth Garber has been an active and continuous community volunteer since the 1970s. She is a founding member of the Columbia Art Gallery as well as the Friends of the Hood River County Library. She has been President of both organizations and continues to be involved as an active volunteer. She was also the first treasurer of the Hood River County Library Foundation serving during the five years of the ‘Millennium Project’, the library building expansion. During that time, Garber accounted for the $1 million raised by private fundraising and grants to support that project. A passionate quilter, Garber has used her skills to raise funds for her causes. She is now serving as President of Columbia River Gorge Quilt Guild, a new organization of the quilters in the six area counties.

Elizabeth Garber brings all her intelligence, heart and skills to any project she undertakes," said June Knudson, retired Library Director. "And because of the way she honors those who work with her, many more are willing to get involved and help her."