We are gearing up for our ZONTA says NO to Violence against Women Campaign. Look for our digital billboards. Thanks to http://lamarsigns.com of Columbia. We join our International organization in Standing up Against Violence towards women around the World. For 50 years Zonta has been embedded in the Columbia and Midlands area supporting various NPO and NGO’s who have our same mission.

I am honored and excited to be the new president of the Zonta Club of Columbia for June 2013 – June 2014. This coming Zonta year promises to be challenging, but also fun and rewarding. Zonta is more relevant than ever and continues to make a difference in advancing the status of women and girls worldwide, and we are Zonta. This year we celebrate our 50th birthday with high energy and enthusiasm for the club and the women and girls of the Midlands of South Carolina.

Marion Watson

Governor Nikki Haley issued a proclamation declaring September 10, 2013 as Zonta Club of Columbia Day in honor of the club’s 50 year anniversary!

“City of Columbia
A Proclamation

WHEREAS, Zonta International is a worldwide service organization of executives in business working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy; and

WHEREAS, Zonta International was founded in Buffalo, New York in 1919 and is composed of 1,200 clubs in 63 countries and geographic areas with more than 30,000 members; and

WHEREAS,
Zonta International has contributed millions of dollars to service projects worldwide and advocated for women’s rights, good health, economic and political improvements and the eradication of violence against women; and

WHEREAS, the Zonta Club of Columbia was chartered 50 years ago by Zonta International to improve the status of women in the Columbia Metropolitan Area; and

WHEREAS, the members of the Zonta Club of Columbia are active or retired business executives and community leaders; and

WHEREAS, these members give many service hours and dollars to the community in the name of Zonta International; and

WHEREAS, the City of Columbia congratulates the Zonta Club of Columbia on their 50 years of dedication and service to this community and wishes the club the best of luck on the next 50 years of service.

NOW, THEREFORE I, Stephen K. Benjamin, Mayor of the City of Columbia, South Carolina, along with my fellow members of Columbia City Council, do hereby proclaim Tuesday, September 10, 2013 as Zonta Club of Columbia Day in the City of Columbia and urge my fellow citizens to recognize and participate in its observance.

Stephen K. Benjamin, Mayor
Sam Davis, District I, Council Member
Tameika Isaac Devine, Council Member At Large
Leona Plaugh, District IV, Council Member
Brian DeQuincey Newman, District II, Council Member
Cameron Runyan, At Large, Council Member
Moe Baddourah, District III, Council Member”

The conference was held in Sanibel, Florida on Sept. 22-24, 2011

Read the report from Zonta of Columbia Delegate, President MJ Hassell by clicking here

Our very own Marion Watson on the runway – participating in a fundraiser for women: the fashion show during the Killingsworth Gala