Congratulations to Teri Brown for being this year’s recipient of the Soroptimist Ruby Award. From left are Elizabeth Fuller; Barbara Rigdon, SI Dixon President; Jewel Fink; Teri Brown; Mary Lou Batchelor, Ruby Award Chair; James Fuller. Photo courtesy of Soroptimist International of Dixon

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Congratulations to Teri Brown for being this year’s recipient of the Soroptimist Ruby Award.

Each year, Soroptimist International of Dixon honors a woman who, through their professional or personal efforts, is making extraordinary differences in the lives of those in her community. Some women work to improve conditions through their personal or volunteer efforts; others do so through professional avenues. Although not a Soroptimist, their work helps promote the issues that are important to Soroptimists. It is a way for the club to say thank you. The Soroptimist Ruby Award is named in honor of the first Federation President, Ruby Lee Minar.

Such as a ruby gemstone is associated with wisdom, importance, vitality, strength, power and love, Brown embodies all of these things. Brown “can see the light in the darkest of situations,” according to her daughter, Elizabeth Fuller. Brown prioritizes her family and their needs; she is a best friend to so many; she loves her community and is always willing to support others with her enthusiasm; she is a visionary by promoting a community garden with her desire to beautify the world for generations to come.

Brown is a champion, according to her daughter. She puts in the time needed as a member of the Dixon Women’s Improvement Club and a volunteer at Anderson Elementary, both in the classroom and as a member of the PTO, all of the years that her grandsons attended. Additionally, she served on the board for four of those years.

"She has tremendous heart for people, and with intent she tries to better situations whenever she can,” said Brown’s son-in-law.

This award comes with $500 that is donated to a charity of Brown’s choosing. Brown has chosen that the money go towards the Dixon High School Rams’ Vault, benefitting students and the community; Cornerstone Baptist Church’s food pantry; and Anderson Elementary PTO.