For 37 years, Soroptimist International of Redding has held its annual Mardi Gras to raise funds for scholarships and other projects in the Redding area. In their 38th year of holding this annual fundraiser, this will be the first year that a king and queen are crowned. Soroptimist’s king & queen are two community members who have worked to change the lives of women and/or children in Shasta County. In November and December, Soroptimist sought nominations from the community for individuals they believed have gone above and beyond in helping women and children in our community. Of those nominations, Soroptimist members narrowed the candidates down to three men and three women.
From now until Jan. 29 at 5 p.m. the community has the opportunity to vote for who they believe should be crowned as king and queen of Soroptimist International of Redding’s 38th Annual Mardi Gras.
Community members can vote online at soroptimistredding.com or can submit their ballots at the following locations:
Redding Locations: The Humor Shop, Logan’s Roadhouse, National University, Kuebler’s Furniture, North Valley Bank on Churn Creek, and Tri Counties Bank on Lake Boulevard and on Hartnell Avenue.
Anderson Location: Mary’s Pizza Shack
Shasta Lake City Location: North Valley Bank
All votes must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Jan. 29. Our king and queen will be announced at 8:30 p.m. at Mardi Gras on Jan. 30.
Now, to meet our candidates:
Don Burton is typically known for his voice that many listen to over the airwaves of K-Shasta 104.3, but others know him for his generosity toward helping others in need in our community. Over the years, Don has been able to use his connections through radio to raise thousands of dollars in support of youth programming in Shasta County. Don has gone above and beyond, giving countless hours of his own time.
When asked how he felt about being recognized for his work in helping the lives of others, Don said he felt “very fortunate and grateful. I feel that radio has a responsibility to help the community. I was born and raised in Redding and have a very strong bond with the people and causes in the North State.”
Jack Regan is considered the “Go To” guy at Shasta Women’s Refuge. Jack has been a volunteer with the Women’s Refuge for the past 10 years and has served in a variety of capacities, including the original crab at their annual crab feed. Jack has served as a child mentor and a court advocate as well.
Jack is somewhat uncomfortable in being recognized for his work in helping others. He has given of his time because he believes in “trying to help the underdog.” Jack wants people to know that if he can give of his time in helping others, anyone can.
Rod Lindsay has donated countless hours of his time to the community of Shasta Lake. Rod is a member of the Shasta Lake Damboree and the Shasta Lake Chamber of Commerce, serves on the Shasta Lake City Council and is involved in countless other organizations. He is instrumental in putting on the multicultural event that takes place in January of each year. Rod has a passion for providing opportunities for youth
Rod is honored and humbled to be recognized for his work in helping others in our community. When asked why he has dedicated his time in helping others, Rod states: “I enjoy working with our youth. I am very supportive of the women who work very hard to make sure that their families are protected and I respect that. I come from a time that we all had to pull together to survive. I feel that if I can help and make a difference, then that is what I will do.”
Barbara Gridley has been a long-time community volunteer who has given her time to support a variety of events in the community, including the annual Christmas Parade and Big Bike Weekend. Barbara serves as the director of the Redding Trade Club and a volunteer with KIXE.
When asked how she felt about being recognized for her work, Barbara said, “I am proud and very glad to be of help to those in need and to do my part for Redding’s civic betterment.” Barbara would like to thank the organizations that she has been involved with over the years for letting her be a part.
Christy Wright has worked over the past 10 years to help women end destructive patterns in their lives and become independent. Christy is grateful for this honor and has dedicated her time to supporting others because of her “belief in karma and the satisfaction of seeing women grow personally and professionally.”
Christy believes that small ideas can equal big results and that women are a powerful source when focused on positive change.
Kay Kobe is a member of almost every service club in the City of Shasta Lake. She has a great passion for making the community a better place for all and sacrifices many of her personal hours to do so. Kay has served on the Shasta Damboree for over 15 years and as a trustee with the Gateway Unified School District for the past 12 years.
Kay is honored for being recognized for her work in helping others and is “appreciative for all the others who volunteer to improve the lives of children and the families in their communities”. Kay believes that it is “vitally important that we give back to our communities to preserve and enhance our quality of life.”
We have six very deserving individuals, but only one king and one queen can be crowned on Jan. 30 at Mardi Gras! Remember to vote at soroptimistredding.com.
