The Austin Area Zonta Club recently distributed service funds the club raised for the 2007-08.

The international service organization of executives in business and the professions works to advance the status of women.

Zonta’s two main goals are to serve the community and to work for understanding, goodwill and peace through a world fellowship of executives in business and their professions.

Recipients of this year’s service funds work for such projects as Arc Mower County, American Red Cross, American Cancer Society-Relay For Life, Nepal Social Services, Special Education Prom, DECA Club of Austin High School and Austin Adult Learning Center (GED) for four scholarships.

Dayna Jondahl also received funds for a mission trip to Mexico City and Lilah Aas received funds for the Habitat 500 bike ride.

In addition, the club donated funds on the international level using one third of its service funds. Two-thirds of the fund remained locally.

The 2008-10 International Biennial Goals for Zonta include the Safe Cities For Women Project to help eliminate violence against women in Guatemala, San Salvador and El Salvador.

Another is Reduction of Obstetric Deaths in Liberia of both Mother and Child and Reeducation of Mother To Child Transmission of HIV in Rwanda.

Educational and leadership programs for 2008-10 include Amelia Earhart Fellowship that provides monetary gifts for women in graduate study in aerospace-related sciences and engineering; the Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarships that provide assistance to women undergraduate students preparing for careers in business management; and the Young Women in Public Affairs Award that honors young women in secondary level or pre-university schools who demonstrate a commitment to leadership in public policy, government and volunteer organizations.

Anyone interested in more information about Zonta or wishing to join may contact any Zonta member or 433-7325 or 437-8773.