Soroptimist International Clubs of North San Diego and Poway Announce 15th Annual Celebration of Courage in Escondido

The October 4th fundraiser at the California Center for the Arts benefits survivors of domestic violence and trafficking; keynote by survivor Marjorie Saylor

ESCONDIDO, CA, UNITED STATES, September 4, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Soroptimist International Clubs of North San Diego and Poway will host their 15th Annual Celebration of Courage on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. The signature fundraiser arrives at a new date and a new venue this year, with hundreds of guests expected to turn out.

Headlining the program is keynote speaker Marjorie Saylor, a modern-day abolitionist, survivor of exploitation, and nationally recognized advocate whose address is titled "Chasing Freedom: A Journey Out of Exploitation Into a World Never Imagined." For more than a decade, Saylor has worked to prevent trafficking, support survivors, and advance survivor-informed policy reform.

Proceeds from the event support the two clubs' Transitional Housing Program, which helps families move from abuse and dependency toward safe, self-sustaining lives through housing, mentorship, and direct financial assistance. Since 1997, the North San Diego and Poway clubs have supported 96 mothers and 226 children through the program. Event revenue also funds educational programming that helps women break the cycle of violence, survivor advocacy work that raises awareness of human trafficking across San Diego County, as well as educational grants for women and girls.

“This event is important because it unites our community around a shared commitment to helping women and families create a better future after experiencing abuse and exploitation. Holding Celebration of Courage at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido opens the door to new audiences and gives us an even greater opportunity to share our mission with communities throughout North San Diego County,” said Theresa Martin, President of Soroptimist International of North San Diego. “The support generated through this event directly impacts the mothers and children in our program, helping provide the stability and encouragement they need as they build new, independent lives.”

The morning includes a champagne reception, a plated lunch, and live and silent auctions. Featured auction packages include a six-carat diamond bracelet, a seven-night stay with airfare in Bodega Bay, a private tamale-making class for eight, an in-home mixology class, VIP tickets to the San Diego Boat and Wine Festival, a two-night AutoCamp stay, a Turf Club table and passes to Del Mar, and a six-course "Night in Tuscany" dinner prepared by the Knights of Columbus at St. Gabriel in an outdoor San Diego setting.

The need remains urgent. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, roughly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States, and domestic violence hotlines nationwide field about 20,000 calls each day.

Tickets are $150 per person, with tables and sponsorships available at several levels. Tickets, sponsor forms, and donation options are available at https://www.celebrationofcourage.org/. Those unable to attend may contribute directly through the clubs' online donation page. Sponsorship inquiries may be directed to sicelebrationofcourage@gmail.com.

The 2026 Celebration of Courage is presented with the support of Title Sponsor A Little Help Foundation, Defender Sponsor Unicorn Jewelry & Watch Boutique, Pillar Sponsor The Bond Family Fund, and a slate of Champion, Guardian, Advocate, and Supporter sponsors.

About Soroptimist International Clubs of North San Diego & Poway
Soroptimist International is a global women's organization working to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Locally, the North San Diego and Poway clubs jointly operate a Transitional Housing Program for domestic violence survivors and support education, mentorship, and anti-trafficking awareness efforts across the region. The clubs are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Tax ID #23-7122002. Learn more at https://www.celebrationofcourage.org/ or follow the clubs on Facebook and Instagram.

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Community calendar listing (short version)
15th Annual Celebration of Courage Sunday, October 4, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Grand Ballroom, California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido Tickets: $150 | https://www.celebrationofcourage.org/

The Soroptimist International Clubs of North San Diego and Poway host their annual fundraiser benefiting survivors of domestic violence and sex trafficking. The program features keynote speaker Marjorie Saylor, a trafficking survivor and national advocate, plus a champagne reception, plated lunch, and auctions. Proceeds support the clubs' Transitional Housing Program, which has served 96 mothers and 226 children since 1997. Info: sicelebrationofcourage@gmail.com.

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Victoria M. Jones
Soroptimist International Clubs of North San Diego & Poway
+1 858-837-0242
sicelebrationofcourage@gmail.com
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