Soroptimist International Tahoe Sierra last week gave out thousands of dollars to local organizations which have a mission to help make a difference in the lives of women and youth locally and worldwide.

SITS’ biggest fundraiser is Elegant Evening. Proceeds from the event help fund these scholarships. This year’s event is April 18. For more info, go online.

The winners are:

Between Horses & Humans Horses are intuitive and pass no judgement on the children and adults who come to Gardnerville to find healing. Participants learn to take an assertive yet gentle approach to the care of the horses they befriend.

Bijou K Adventure Program: Bijou kindergarten team will be purchasing a book for each new 2015 kindergarten student along with school supplies that will help the students have a successful school year.

Christina Frohlich and Gallanty Physical Therapy: Helping orthopedic surgeons and multiple registered nurses to help more than 50 people in Guatemala receive the treatment and physical therapy they needed.

Girl Scout Leadership will use the funds received to train older Girl Scouts to mentor and teach younger Girl Scouts.

Girls On The Run: This nonprofit organization is dedicated to creating a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.

Kahle Community Center’s Morning Program: The funds received will help the Tuesday Morning program which provides a fun social environment for over 50 families with children ages birth to preschool.

ED Reading Council’s Baby Books Program: This program has been in place for more than 12 years. It promotes the love of reading and provides a book bag, book, and information for new parents of babies born in South Lake Tahoe.

SOS Outreach: This nonprofit organization inspires youth to make positive decisions for healthy successful lives. In Tahoe the organization helps to teach life skills and provides opportunities with various adventure sports.

St. Joseph Land Trust: The mission of this nonprofit organization is to improve the quality of life for individuals and families who cannot otherwise afford housing by acquiring real estate and developing programs to benefit individuals and families. So far they have provided 77 units of affordable housing for families who previously lived in motels.

Tahoe Turning Point: This organization provides a group home for at-risk adolescents. With the received funds the organization will be encouraging physical fitness through gym memberships at Kahle Community Center.

Tahoe Valley Elementary’s Disney Aladdin Musical Performance: There is an emphasis of performing arts at Tahoe Valley. Every year the school puts on a performance. With the funds received, authentic clothing was purchased for the performers’ costumes.

Tahoe Valley’s Science Theater Workshops Science Theater allows every student to actively participate in hands-on dramatizations that connect science learning to their everyday world.

Tahoe Youth & Family Services: This organization’s mission is to promote the healthy development of children, youth, and families in our community by providing counseling, education and support services. Through funds received, Tahoe Youth & Family Services will be continuing to support it’s Girl’s Project.