EVERY (Founders) PENNY COUNTS! In 1943 Soroptimist clubs began collecting one penny from each member for each year of Soroptimist’s existence to help re‐establish clubs in Europe that had disbanded due to pre‐World War II political conditions and the war itself. The tradition continues today to support our global Dream Programs that improve the lives of women and girls in local communities throughout the world. Founders Pennies help create a local and global relationship between Soroptimists and the women and girls who need our support. Founders Pennies represent approximately 10% of the total $1.7 million contributed to fund our programs.