10 Things About Cindy Kelly Spilman &
Soroptimist of Poway

“Many hands make light work!”

Soroptimist of Poway is a volunteer organization of professional and businesswomen working to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Annually, Soroptimist of Poway sponsors numerous programs in support of this objective. One of their main projects is to provide transitional housing and mentorship for women and families that have been victims of domestic violence. These programs are sustained by their major fund-raising effort, Hats and Heels, which is produced by Cindy Kelly Spilman and hosted in concert with the Soroptimist of North San Diego.

10 Things About Cindy Kelly Spilman & Soroptimist of Poway

#1 I grew up in Salem, Massachusetts and went to college at UMass, Amherst.

#2 Before I went to High School, I wanted to play Ice Hockey, but my father decided I needed to do ballroom dancing instead. I still want to play hockey!

#3 If I did not live in San Diego, I would choose the Amalfi Coast of Italy.

#4 I would love to become a Pastry Chef.

#5 I am the proud owner of two 70-pound Standard Poodles and a Bengal cat. All three get along swimmingly.

#6 Whenever I have a free moment, I like to hike and play with the Poodles.

#7 In support of the Soroptimist mission, I would like to enact laws that help provide more stringent protection to victims of domestic violence and human trafficking.

#8 Melanie fled a violent relationship with her three children after her husband had beaten her and burned her car to the ground with all their belongings. She arrived in San Diego with no support structure, job, car or belongings. Soroptimist provided her with food, clothing and a furnished apartment in a safe neighborhood with good schools. We paired her with a mentor to help her realize she was empowered to live her life. Melanie took a part time job and began pursuing her business degree online. Soroptimist awarded her a grant to buy a vehicle, allowing her to continue her education and support her family. Today, she and her family are living independently and safely.

#9 We always have a need for motivated women who want to get involved locally and join us in supporting our programs and mission.

#10 This year, our annual Hats & Heels fundraiser will be a Virtual Event, which will fully fund our major project, Transitional Housing. Yearly, it takes $11,500 per apartment to provide housing for women and their children fleeing a life of domestic violence. Additional programs funded by this event include continuing education for women who are heads of household, support for victims of human trafficking, a variety of scholarships and other programs empowering women and children.

Soroptimist of Poway
Hats & Heels Fundraiser
Friday May 7, 2021
5:00 pm
Virtual
www.sipoway.org