MARY BALDASANO / Special to the PVT Claudette Crooks, president of the local Soroptimist International, receives a check for $2,500 from Jennifer Wade, managing agent for American Family Insurance in Pahrump. Advertisement

On Jan. 6, Jennifer Wade, who manages American Family Insurance in Pahrump, presented Claudette Crooks, president of Soroptimist International Pahrump Valley, with a check for $2,500.

The check matches the organization's fundraising efforts in 2008 to support the good works of Soroptimist.

A Pahrump resident for three years, Wade opened the local office of American Family Insurance in October 2005. As part of its corporate participation in local communities, it encourages agents to apply for funds to donate to local charities.

Wade, President-elect of Soroptimist, decided to apply for the funds for the organization and was notified of their approval at the end of December 2008. She was also advised by her parent company that these funds are always available but are seldom requested.

"I hope to make this an annual presentation if approved," she said.

She added "Only agents who are meeting or exceeding productions levels are eligible for requesting these funds. I must be doing something right."

Wade said, "I joined SIPV to get more involved in the community and found a lot of personal satisfaction as well as the warmth of a family-like atmosphere."

She operates the only AMI office in Pahrump and is currently participating in the corporation's celebration of its 82nd anniversary.

"AMI is a great company to work for. It's family-oriented by stressing its importance. It also doesn't spend a lot of money on advertising as it wants to give the money to its agents for their good work. However, they are starting to do some advertising," she said.

She closed by saying, "I challenge other insurance agents and companies to make a similar donation to SIPV to help our mission of helping women and children in Pahrump."

Crooks said, "The money is to be set aside to support our annual community awards as well as the development of an annual scholarship fund. Our group is small, but we plan to make a big impact on Pahrump.

"We hope to get the word out about SIPV to all female members of the community, that we are here for them through our Violet Richardson, Women of Achievement and Making Difference for Women awards," said Crooks.

The process for collecting nominees for these awards has been completed for 2008 and selection will be made soon. To find out more call Crooks at 775-537-1717 or Tonya Brum at 775-209-3896.