The busy, active Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva will have the skills of four more outstanding women to draw on as the club enters the 2009-10 winter season, with plans already under way for the club’s annual” A Peek at the Unique” island homes fundraiser, set for March 13, 2010.

At the regular business meeting at Beachview on Nov. 4, President Carolyn Gray welcomed Darlene Boda, Nancy Dreher, Barbara Marti and Helen Ramsey in a traditional ceremony that included the gift of a yellow rose, Zonta’s official symbol. Gray described membership in Zonta as “both an honor and a privilege.” Members, who come from all walks of life and a variety of professional backgrounds, are expected to join at least one project team and volunteer their skills in that area.

The club has been recognized for its commitment to fellowship and successful fund raising, and for its wide variety of service projects, winning the coveted District 11 Governor’s Cup four times in the past five years. Membership currently stands at 67.

Boda, a former resident of Atlanta, Ga. has been a Sanibel resident since 2007. She has a background in facilitating grief and support groups and in lobbying for ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. Darlene is currently working with the Pfeifer Realty Group on Sanibel and is sponsored by Robyn Moran.

Dreher lived in New Orleans and Lafayette, La. before moving to Sanibel. Her 20-year career in fashion retailing included positions as area manager, buyer and corporate trainer, and her community activities included “Dress for Success” events and organizing donations for needy families. Nancy’s sponsor is Nola Theiss.

Marti is sponsored by Linda Robison. She is a former silk floral designer and now is a working artist, having sold her paintings on Sanibel for over 10 years, and has volunteered at BIG Arts since 2000. She is a seasonal resident with a home in Park Ridge, Ill.

Ramsey, a visitor to Sanibel for more than 30 years, divides her time between Sanibel and Lakeland, Fla., and is sponsored by Ginger Parker. Helen formerly worked with the Polk Museum of Art where she coordinated their outdoor art festival and, more recently, became involved in pet therapy, making weekly visits to rehab centers and nursing homes in Lakeland.

The Zonta Club of Sanibel/Captiva is a service organization of professional women working together to provide hands-on assistance, advocacy and funds to strengthen women’s lives on the islands, in Lee County and around the world through Zonta International.

For additional information, visit www.zontasancap.com.