Soroptimist clubs set 15th Celebration of Courage for Oct. 4 in Escondido

Soroptimist International Clubs of North San Diego and Poway will hold their 15th annual Celebration of Courage on Oct. 4 at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido. The fundraiser supports housing, advocacy and education programs for survivors of domestic violence and trafficking, with survivor advocate Marjorie Saylor as keynote speaker.

Why it matters: - The fundraiser helps pay for transitional housing, mentorship and direct financial assistance for survivors of abuse and exploitation. - Event proceeds also support anti-trafficking education, survivor advocacy and educational grants for women and girls across San Diego County. - The clubs’ housing program has already supported 96 mothers and 226 children since 1997.

What happened: - Soroptimist International Clubs of North San Diego and Poway will host the 15th Annual Celebration of Courage on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. - The event runs from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. - The fundraiser is moving to a new date and a new venue this year, with hundreds of guests expected. - Marjorie Saylor, a survivor of exploitation and national advocate, will deliver the keynote address, “Chasing Freedom: A Journey Out of Exploitation Into a World Never Imagined.”

The details: - Saylor has spent more than a decade working to prevent trafficking, support survivors and advance survivor-informed policy reform. - The morning program includes a champagne reception, a plated lunch, and live and silent auctions. - Auction items include a six-carat diamond bracelet, a seven-night Bodega Bay stay with airfare, 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. - Tickets cost $150 per person, with tables and sponsorships available at multiple levels. - Tickets, sponsor forms and donation options are available through the event website. - People who cannot attend can still donate through the clubs’ online donation page. - Sponsorship inquiries go to sicelebrationofcourage@gmail.com. - The 2026 event is backed by Title Sponsor A Little Help Foundation, Defender Sponsor Unicorn Jewelry & Watch Boutique, Pillar Sponsor The Bond Family Fund, and additional Champion, Guardian, Advocate and Supporter sponsors.

Between the lines: - Theresa Martin, president of Soroptimist International of North San Diego, said the move to the California Center for the Arts is meant to reach new audiences and expand the clubs’ mission across North San Diego County. - Martin said support from the event directly helps mothers and children build stable, independent lives after abuse and exploitation. - National domestic violence figures underscore the scale of the issue: roughly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the U.S., and hotlines receive about 20,000 calls a day.

What’s next: - The clubs will use funds raised at the October event to sustain housing and support services for survivors. - Additional money will continue to fund education and awareness efforts tied to domestic violence and human trafficking. - Community members can follow updates and give through the clubs’ event channels and donation page.

The bottom line: - The Celebration of Courage is both a fundraiser and a public push to keep survivor housing, education and anti-trafficking work funded in San Diego County.