Soroptimist International of Port Orchard (SIPO) will commemorate 70 years of service to Port Orchard and the South Kitsap community with an anniversary celebration on May 1.

Th event is 6-9 p.m. at the Port Orchard Pavilion, 701 Bay St.

The public and all Soroptimists from within the Northwestern region are invited to attend the fundraising event, which will include appetizers and feature beer and wine tasting (only guests 21 or older), according to Bobbie Weatherill, SIPO past president.

Tickets may be purchased from any Soroptimist for $25 prior to the occasion, or for $30 at the door. All funds raised will be used for projects aimed at fulfilling the organization’s mission of building better lives for women and girls and their families, here and around the world.

Soroptimist is an international business and professional women’s volunteer service organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls, locally and globally.

According to Weatherill, the Port Orchard club was founded in the spring of 1945 by 20 active and committed business and professional women who believed that the city and surrounding area would benefit from an organization that could make a significant contribution to the community by providing support to women, resulting in positive differences for them, their families and others.

“The club has undergone many changes over the years and has grown to be recognized as a significant force for the empowerment and advancement of human rights for women, here and across the globe,” Weatherill said. “The word ‘soroptimist’ means ‘best for women,’ and we strive to do our best to help other women to be their best.

For more information, visit www.siportorchard.com or email SIofPO@gmail.com.