Soroptimists to help host Northwest Conference Against Trafficking

Soroptimist International Northwestern Region along with many other agencies will come together to host the annual Northwest Conference Against Trafficking on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at the Red Lion Hotel on the River in Portland, Oregon.

It was announced today that the Soroptimist Ruby Award will be given to HLN’s Jane Velez-Mitchell by two Northwestern Region clubs, Soroptimist International of Southwest Washington and Vancouver. A notable television news journalist, Jane Velez-Mitchell is the host of the TV show “Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell” which airs on HLN every night at 7p.m. eastern and 4 p.m. pacific. Previously, Jane reported for the nationally syndicated Warner Brothers/Telepictures show "Celebrity Justice." She also frequently guest hosted for Nancy Grace on her widely watched HLN show.

The Soroptimist Ruby Award: For Women Helping Women (formerly the Soroptimist Making a Difference for Women Award) acknowledges women who, through their personal or professional activities, work to improve the lives of women and girls. The work of these women helps to promote the issues that are important to the Soroptimist organization. Honorees are ordinary women who have worked in extraordinary ways to benefit women and girls. Examples of the type of work honored include: spearheading an effort to open a domestic violence shelter, starting a mentoring program for at-risk girls, or lobbying companies to provide on-site child care. The program enables local Soroptimist clubs and the Soroptimist organization to thank these women and encourage others to explore ways to assist women and girls.

The program begins on the club level, where the type of recognition varies. Award winners at the club level are eligible for additional awards at other levels of the organization. The finalist receives a $5,000 donation to the charity of her choice.

Women who are improving the lives of other women or girls through their professional or personal activities are eligible for the Soroptimist Ruby Award. These women have identified and focused on a need in their communities, which has significantly contributed to the improvement of women and girls’ lives.

Past Making a Difference for Women recipients have included: domestic violence expert and advocate Elaine Weiss; former U.S. Congresswomen Patsy Mink and Patricia Schroeder; novelist and former district attorney Linda Fairstein; Princess Diana; former child actor and U.S. Ambassador Shirley Temple Black; former Philippines President Corazon Aquino; and marine biologist Dr. Sylvia Earle.

Velez-Mitchell will accept the prestigious award on January 9, 2010 at the Northwest Conference Against Trafficking in Portland, Oregon. Anyone interested in attending the conference can visit the website for registration information at www.NWCAT.org.