photos by Joie de Vivre photographie

Each year, Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley pays tribute to an outstanding community member who has made a significant difference in the lives of others.  This year, they chose to honor Marlee Lauffer of Newhall Land, and it’s no surprise why.  She is dedicated and committed to making the community we live in, a great one.  Over the years, she has touched the lives of thousands of residents, businesses and community groups, and has been an integral part of the development of our town.
Born in Midland, Texas, Marlee and her family transferred frequently due to her father’s employment with the oil company.  She had lived in Ohio and Oklahoma by the age of six and then moved to Stamford, Connecticut, where she resided for eight years before heading west to California, where she finished high school and attended UCLA.
In 1989, Marlee made her home in the SCV after a terrific job offer from Newhall Land.  “I really did not know anything about the SCV, and was a little anxious about if I would like it. I went to a chamber mixer my first week on the job and met so many great people who helped make me comfortable!”
Marlee joined the Zonta Club of SCV when she first moved here. The Club was founded in 1974 as a charter of Zonta International. The original Zonta Club was formed in 1919 in Buffalo, New York, as a club composed of women who were recognized leaders in their businesses and professions. The name “Zonta” was made official at the 1930 Convention in Seattle, Washington, and the word “Zonta” is from a Sioux Native American word meaning “honest and trustworthy.”
“Joanne Darcy, Connie Worden and Jami Kennedy were part of the Zonta Club and welcomed me. I am not as active now, but I stay a member because I value the great work they continue to do. Zonta has quietly and consistently been making a difference in the lives of women and our community.”
Marlee has volunteered with the SCV Chamber of Commerce (past president and current board member), Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital (Board of Directors and past chair of the Foundation), Building Industry Association, WiSH Foundation and the City of Santa Clarita’s Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission.   “I have been very involved with the Chamber for many years—on their board and a past Chairman,” states Marlee.  “I think their work is vital for a healthy business community…I’ve served on many boards in the past and chaired many events as well. But whether it’s volunteering for my daughter’s school or her activities or sitting on a prestigious board, I am thankful that Newhall Land encourages me to be involved and that our community supports our non profits.”
Zonta Club of SCV will recognize Marlee’s contribution to our community with a tribute dinner in her honor.  “I am hearing that Zonta has some surprises in store for the attendees –and for me!  But I am very much looking forward to joining family, friends and community leaders to help raise money for a very worthwhile organization.”  Marlee continues with a smile, “And, it will be nice for my teenage daughter to know that there are actually some people out there that ‘like’ me!”
Zonta’s mission is “Improving the lives of women through service, advocacy and awareness.” For more information about Zonta of SCV, visit www.scvzonta.org.