Spokane Altrusa Chapter Recognized For Literacy Work

Thu., June 8, 2000

The Spokane chapter of Altrusa International recently received the District 12 Literacy Award at the district conference in Oregon.

The award recognized the members’ partnership with Spokane School District 81 and Ridgeview Elementary School.

This year, Altrusa members have donated time - about 300 hours - to reading to and tutoring children and provided books and other reading incentives for them.

“It is really unusual for this group of women to give that amount of time,” said member Jeanne Wardian. “They are all busy professionals. But it’s a gift to the community.”

Altrusa International is a volunteer service organization for professional women in business or education. It has been active in Spokane for 69 years. The group currently has about 40 members, but Wardian said they are always looking for outstanding women to join the club.

For more information about Altrusa International, contact president Betty Westfahl at 463-6112.

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