Uplifting the Human Spirit
Supporting Wings Advocacy Fresno, A Project of WestCare California
Spirit
GALA Saturday
Oct.
3
2026
Clovis Veterans Memorial District 808 4th St. Clovis, CA 93612
3RD
ANNUAL
SPI RI T
GALA!
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of excitement, inspiration, and purpose—all in support of a powerful cause. Together, we celebrate community and compassion as we support Wings Advocacy Fresno, a project of WestCare California, helping newly housed individuals and families create safe, fully furnished homes where they can truly thrive. We’re also proud to present the Spirit Community Awards, honoring those who uplift and empower others through courage, leadership, and service.
UPLI FTI NG
WELCOME
THE
HUMAN
SPI RI T
Awards will be presented in the following categories: Community Impact Spirit – For lasting contributions that strengthen our community Resilience & Recovery Spirit – For inspiring strength in overcoming adversity Social Advocacy Spirit – For bold leadership in justice and equality Veterans’ Valor Spirit – For continued service and courage beyond the uniform Join us in applauding these outstanding individuals as we announce the winners during this evening’s program. Let’s shine a light on those who make our world brighter.
Mary Ann Knoy Senior Vice President WestCare California
THANK YOU TO OUR UPLIFTING THE HUMAN SPIRIT PRESENTING SPONSOR
RH COMMUNITY BUILDERS
Building Stronger Communities. Creating Pathways Home. WestCare California is proud to recognize RH Community Builders as a Presenting Sponsor. Your support helps advance a community where individuals and families have access to safe housing, supportive services, and the resources they need to build a more stable future.
RH Community Builders serves communities throughout Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Madera counties, providing person-centered support across a continuum of care — from emergency housing and housing navigation to mental health services, case management and recovery support.
RH COMMUNITY BUILDERS
SERVING FRESNO, TULARE, KINGS AND MADERA COUNTIES
rhcommunitybuilders.com
I NSI DE
THI S
PROGRAM
About WestCare California About Wings Advocacy Fresno Spirit Awardees Silent Auction THE
HEART
BEHI ND
THE
GALA
All proceeds from tonight's event directly support Wings Advocacy Fresno, the newest addition to the WestCare California family of projects.
THANK
YOU
TO
OUR
SPONSORS
FRESNO ADVOCACY WI NGS
OUR
STORY
&
I MPACT
UPLI FTI NG THE HUMAN SPI RI T PRESENTI NG SPONSORS
EMPOWERMENT
SPONSOR
DI GNI TY
SPONSOR
&
HOPE
TRANSFORMATI ON D R .
T O U S S A I N T
SPECIAL
SPONSORS S T R E A T
THANKS
TO
D R . H E R B E R T C R U Z M A R Y A N N K N O Y K E L L I E R I D E N O U R B O B B A R K E R
Wings Advocacy Fresno thrives because of local generosity. Here is how our community works together to transform empty spaces into welcoming homes across Fresno and Clovis.
WHO
WE
SERVE
We provide a fresh start and one-time, comprehensive housing setup for: Recently housed individuals and families Veterans and students Survivors of domestic violence
FRESNO ADVOCACY WI NGS
OUR
STORY
&
I MPACT
POWERED
BY
VOLUNTEERS
Our mission is completely driven by a dedicated team of volunteers and our vital operational partners at the Martin Luther King Men’s Residential Unit (a fellow WestCare entity). Together, our team transforms empty spaces into homes by: Organizing and managing our warehouse. Picking up, cleaning, and preparing donated items. Delivering essential furniture directly to clients for onetime, comprehensive support. What We Accept: To keep our deliveries manageable and practical for new apartments, we gratefully accept gentlyused small dressers, recliners, sofas, coffee tables, lamps, dining sets, kitchen utensils, pots/pans, vacuums, and clean linens.
Spirit Veterans’ Valor KELLI E
RI DENOUR
A pioneer for women in military combat roles, this veteran served aboard the USS Eisenhower during Operations Southern Watch and Deny Flight. Drawing from a deep family legacy of service—with a father who served in Vietnam and a brother in the Gulf War— she turned her military background into a lifelong mission to support others. As a Community Planner with the VACCHCS Homeless Program, she works to eliminate Veteran homelessness across California's Central Valley. She drives operational planning, interagency partnerships, and system-wide improvements like VCARE action planning. Through initiatives such as Point-in-Time Counts, Housing First trainings, and the Fresno Unsheltered Veteran Surge Event, she connects unhoused Veterans directly to vital housing and care. Guided by the value to "lead with heart and serve with purpose," she builds collaborative systems that restore dignity, stability, and hope to former service members.
Community Impact KATI E
WI LBUR
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker by trade, this founding member of RH Community Builders has helped expand the organization over seven years into a partnership employing nearly 600 people across California's Central Valley. Driven by a problem-solving mindset and a belief in "failing forward," they are dedicated to leaving their community better than they found it. Their major contributions include reopening Comprehensive Addiction Programs to provide 85 residential substance abuse treatment beds in Fresno County, alongside participating in the development of over 500 affordable housing units region-wide. Above all, they take pride in leading a compassionate team that delivers hands-on support to the area's most vulnerable residents every day. Guided by the philosophy that "time flies whether you're having fun or not," they approach complex social challenges with optimism, dedication, and heart.
Awardees Social Advocacy
Resilience and Recovery
KENDY
BRI ZZETE
VI LLA
A proud daughter of immigrant parents from Michoacán, Mexico, whose sacrifices fuel a deep-rooted dedication to community advocacy. Guided by her mother’s empathy and her father’s resilience—“que no se te cierre el mundo”—she meets people where they are, ensuring no one faces hardship alone, inspired by the relief of children spared from translating family trauma. As Vice Chair of the City of Fresno Women’s Commission, Central Valley Leadership Academy board member, and contributor to the Fresno Madera Continuum of Care, Kendy bridges underrepresented voices with local government, housing support, and systems navigation. Her work centers on equity, dignity, and opening doors for future leaders. Rooted in community and driven by profound gratitude, she believes everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and respected, approaching complex social challenges with optimism, dedication, and heart.
LOPEZ
Brizzete Lopez is the founder and driving force behind BrizzFit, a thriving 4,000-square-foot fitness and wellness community dedicated to women. What began as outdoor park workouts during the pandemic has evolved into a powerful movement centered on strength, accountability, and mental well-being. Through structured fitness challenges, nutrition guidance, and a welcoming environment, Brizzete provides a safe space where women of all fitness levels can build resilience and feel supported. Guided by the core value that progress comes from consistency—not perfection —she empowers women to discover their strength. Brizzete’s ultimate mission is to help women build confidence and discipline that extend far beyond the gym and into every area of their lives. Whether starting their fitness journey for the first time or looking to elevate their goals, every member finds an encouraging family here. Brizzete's passion continues to inspire countless women to live healthier, happier, and bolder lives.
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THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 SPIRIT GALA COMMITTEE
FRESNO ADVOCACY WI NGS
OUR
STORY
&
I MPACT
On behalf of WestCare California, we want to express our deepest gratitude to our dedicated WestCare staff and compassionate volunteers for coming together to bring the Spirit Gala to life. This year holds special significance as we gather to celebrate our community’s resilience, honor those we cherish, and look forward to a brighter future together. Your unwavering commitment to creating a night of hope, support, and shared vision is a powerful testament to the impact we can make when we unite for a common cause. We would like to thank the following individuals for their time, passion, and tireless efforts in making this event not only possible, but truly meaningful: Alberto Ramirez Anthony Valdez Brittany Sosa Ciana Torres Jenny Gonzalez Jessica Maxey Maria Rodriguez Mary Ann Knoy Sierra Steffenson Yesenia Bautista
Alyssa Duarte Amber Rodriguez Ashley Baenziger Charlie Watts Emad Mahmoud Freda Nachor Gerald Stith Gurvir Sodi Jose Barron Marissa Hernandez Serina Rivera
Advocacy
Fresno
A Project of WestCare California
Help Turn a House into a Home HELP A NEIGHBOR START FRESH! Moving into a new home is a major milestone. You can make it even more special by creating a "Welcome Home" Basket.
Build a "Welcome Home" Basket. Fill a new laundry basket or bin with these new items:
Cleaning Supplies: All-purpose cleanser, window cleaner, dish soap, and sponges. Laundry Needs: Detergent and dryer sheets.
Paper & Home Goods: Paper towels, toilet paper, light bulbs, and bath towels. Personal Care: Hand soap, shampoo, and conditioner.
To give our families the best start possible, we ask that all items in these baskets be brand new.
Donations are tax deductible! westcarecalifornia.org/wings-advocacy-fresno/
Delivering Hope and Dignity CSLB: 1099313 • PWCR: 101000062
PAVEMENT MARKINGS WAREHOUSE STRIPING ASPHALT CRACK FILLING ASPHALT SEAL COATING ASPHALT REPAIR
CONCRETE REPAIR CURB PAINTING AND STENCILING SPEED BUMP INSTALLATION WHEEL STOP INSTALLATION ROAD & PARKING SIGNAGE
WWW.FRESNOSEALANDSTRIPE.NET
O U R
H I S T O R Y
&
M I S S I O N
Founded in 2013 by a group of passionate volunteers, Wings Advocacy Fresno began as a grassroots effort to bring dignity to those transitioning out of homelessness by providing essential furnishings. In 2023, Wings joined the WestCare California family, expanding its reach across Fresno and Clovis. Today, we proudly partner with local agencies, including the Fresno Madera Continuum of Care, to help newly housed individuals, families, students, veterans, and survivors of domestic violence settle into safe, comfortable homes.
2 0 2 5
I M P A C T
H I G H LI G H TS
ADVOCACY
FRES NO
1,199 Persons Served 539 Homes Furnished 15 Families served each week in 2025
WI NGS
POWERED
BY
THE
COMMUNI TY
By grouping our community drives and daily operations together, our collective success speaks for itself:
SPI RI T
Mental Health & Wellness
Treatment & Rehabilitation
Criminal Justice
Veteran Services
Housing Opportunities
Education & Prevention
HUMAN THE UPLI FTI NG
WESTCARE
CALI FORNI A
WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO
Our Mission
Who We Are
WestCare empowers everyone with whom we come into contact with to engage in a process of healing, growth, and change benefiting themselves, their families, coworkers, and communities.
WestCare is a behavioral health and human services non-profit committed to delivering high-quality and cost-effective services that empower people to transform their lives.
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SILENT AUCTION SILENT AUCTION INFORMATION Closes: 8:00 PM Bidding: Standard highest-bidder rules apply. Details & Restrictions: Visit the auction table for full package descriptions and inclusions.
Thank You for Celebrating with Us! We are deeply grateful for your presence tonight. Events like this are only possible because of wonderful guests like you.
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Thank you for your kindness and generosity!
For additional information
@WestCareCalifornia
westcarecalifornia.com
Get in touch with WestCare California at 559-251-4800 or email info.ca@westcare.com