Good Cause -- A cut above

Mike Sciacca

Making a difference for women and children in local communities has

been the driving force behind Soroptimists International of Huntington

Beach for nearly 20 years.

On Monday, the Soroptimists will join co-sponsor Hilton Waterfront

Beach Resort in staging a Haircut-A-Thon at the Hilton’s outdoor

pavilion. Nearly 20 stylists from five local salons will offer haircuts

-- no shampoo or styling is involved -- for children and adults at $5 per

head.

The idea for the event came from local stylist Kathy Nakamoto and

Soroptimist member Maria Geddes, the individual business travel sales

manager for the Hilton. The two canvassed the city, seeking stylists to

volunteer for the good cause. Soroptimists will be working that day, too,

providing the stylists with cleanup help.

Proceeds from the event will benefit abused children.

“People tend to think that we are a club in name only but that is

hardly the case,” Geddes said. “These women work diligently and give

freely of their time. Much of our work is hands-on. It’s truly

rewarding.”

Geddes has been a member of Soroptimist International of Huntington

Beach for not quite a year but already, like many other club members, she

has become quite involved: she is on the board of directors, is vice

president of membership and retention, and writes the club newsletter.

Last Friday, she was honored as the club’s Soroptimist of the year.

The organization consists of professional women who volunteer

throughout the year, giving their time and effort through service

projects in order to advance human rights and the status of women.

Its goal is to assist women -- children included -- and recognize the

accomplishments of women of all ages. The club also offers these women

help in building a better life wherever possible.

“It’s a wonderful organization and not only do you get to help out

with some very worthy causes but you also get to meet some very nice and

successful professional women. I have learned a lot about what goes on in

this city since I have joined -- from the great things to not so good

things,” Geddes said.

The local Soroptimists club, 45 members strong, lends its hand to a

number of fund-raising events throughout the calendar year.

A few of the major causes it helps support is Project Self

Sufficiency, Interval House, the Therapeutic Riding Center, the fight

against cancer, various environmental causes and the Huntington Beach

Community Clinic .

* MIKE SCIACCA is the education and sports reporter. He can be reached

at (714) 965-7171 or by e-mail at michael.sciacca@latimes.com.