In order to give women and girls in the community the opportunity to obtain the education and training they need to improve their lives, Soroptimist International of Antioch bestows annual cash grants in the form of local scholarships and a Women of Opportunity Award.

This year's fundraising event, Little Black Dress Party, takes place Saturday, Oct. 27 at 2 p.m. at The Commons at Dallas Ranch Assisted Living Community, 4751 Dallas Ranch Road.

The Women of Opportunity Award helps women who are the head of their households to receive more education and/or additional skills training to enter or return to the workforce and improve their economic status. Unlike other award programs, the Women's Opportunity Award can be used for books, childcare, transportation or any expense incurred to achieve the recipient's educational goal.

Local cash scholarships of $1,000 are awarded each year to an Antioch resident and high school graduate. The scholarships provide assistance in the pursuit of a college education or additional vocational training.

The Little Black Dress Party will feature everything to accessorize and complete any black dress occasion - from skin care to jewelry and purses to black dresses. Guests are encouraged to wear or bring their favorite Little Black Dress or buy one at the party, and shop for ways to update or give themselves a new, more polished look.

For a $25 donation, each guest will enjoy champagne and refreshments and be eligible to win a $1,000 shopping spree. Participants need not be present to win. To purchase tickets, call Terrie Price at 706-8560.

Soroptimist International of Antioch, chartered in 1953, meets every Wednesday at noon at Schooner's Restaurant, 4250 Lone Tree Way, and is one of eight area clubs in District II of the organization. For more information about Soroptimists of Antioch, how to join, or to make a donation, contact President Melissa Donald at 757-6639 or visit www.soroptimist.org.