Ten Soroptimist club members volunteered their services at the Soroptimist International Annual Gala Fundraiser at the Koolau Ballrooms & Conference Center on Feb. 13.

The Lancer Soroptimist club is an offshoot of the adult organization.

This year the theme of the gala was Valentine’s Day. Club members greeted, assisted with registration and helped bidders during the Silent Auction.

Oahu Soroptimist International clubs help to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Each year clubs reward women who have overcome obstacles in their lives.

Junior Janelle Lauronal said, “I thought S Club was just another community service club, but really it’s a global organization that strives to empower women by means of access to education. I enjoyed helping at the Silent Auction the most as I was able to assist older women and help with the bidding. It was overall such a wonderful experience, witnessing people give back to a greater cause.”

Club adviser, Randy Fong, said, “This gala, organized by the Soroptimist International clubs on the island, is a huge fundraiser for the program and their monetary awards that they give out each year.”