Peggy Larimer is among those who have helped make it possible for trouble Manteca Unified teens to be able to reach out for help.
Larimer is president of Manteca Soroptimists.
Each year since 1989, the service club has made sizeable donations to help Manteca Unified fund teen crisis counseling.
They added another $7,500 to the effort this month, bringing the running total to $377,000.
The funds were given to the Health Services Department for mental health services for high school students.
The Soroptimists were spurred into action 35 years ago when Manteca Unified was rocked with a tragedy.
Four high school students executed a suicide pact.
The community was devastated.
The Soroptimists decided something had to be done.
They stepped up and launched the Teen Crisis Counseling project.
More than three decades later they are still supported what has become their signature project.
What else would you expect from a service club that — years prior to launching the teen crisis project — was credited with purchasing the first Jaws of Life for the Manteca Fire Department.
The next day after the fire department took possession of it, the Soroptimists’ gift was credited with helping save a life in a 120 Bypass crash.
The Soroptimists have been able to support the teen counseling through their various fundraising efforts, many generous donations from the public, as well as generous grants from Raymus Foundation.
The difference the Soroptimists make includes providing scholarships not just for high school grads but single moms seeking to continue their education to supporting non-profits such as the HOPE Family Shelter and the Boys & Girls Club.
They also conduct seminars to inspire girls to be the best they can be.
And then there is the Manteca Christmas tradition — the Soroptimists’ Holiday Affair that is now in its 45th season.
For many it isn’t the holiday season without attending the social event that takes place in the lobby of the Bank of Stockton, The 350-ticket event is a perennial sellout.
Soroptimist started in Oakland in 1921 and has been in Manteca since 1953.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
