WOMEN OF DEDICATION SET FOR APRIL 2023 Twelve “Hearts of Gold” to be Honored

SAN DIEGO (March 1, 2023) --The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary (SAWA) will celebrate “Hearts of Gold, Women who Inspire,” the theme of its 57th Anniversary Women of Dedication (WOD) luncheon, presentation and fundraiser on Friday, April 21, 2023, at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. The event honors a dozen extraordinary women—a dynamic and diverse group from throughout San Diego County—for their dedication to our community through volunteerism and service.

“We are so excited to celebrate these amazing women who have worked tirelessly to help those in need,” says Dee Ammon, auxiliary president. “Volunteering for so many causes, they have shown their commitment and compassion to making the community a better place.”

The honorees include:

Kimberly Alessio, Stephanie Brown

June Chocheles, Martha Dennis

Cindy Goodman, Janice Kurth

Linda LeGerrette, Sara Wilenski Napoli

Suzanne Newman, Michele Prescott

Maria Provencher, Vivian Crawford Tuck

Event co-chairs are Lynne Doyle and Julie Cowan Novak. Honorary chairs are Dorothea Laub, TK and Ellen Bryson known for their business achievements and philanthropic commitments to The Salvation Army and many other organizations. The wonderful and talented Sandra Maas will serve as emcee and Anna Couvrette, as auctioneer.

The event, from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm, begins with registration and shopping at 10 boutiques offering jewelry, clothing, accessories, gift items and more, with 25% of proceeds donated to the Salvation Army. A luncheon and presentation followed with musical performances by MacKenzie Cartmill and The San Diego Master Chorale. Bryan Verhoye has created music and lyrics especially for the honorees, always a highlight of the event. Those who have been helped by The Salvation Army will also be featured.

Women of Dedication is the signature fundraiser of The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary. Founded in the 1950s, the auxiliary supports The Salvation Army’s social service programs through fundraising, donations, and hands-on volunteer efforts, helping those in crisis to heal, to develop emotionally and spiritually, and to learn new skills which promote self-sufficiency and transform lives for the better.

The Salvation Army has faced ever greater challenges, stepping up with the help of generous donors, dedicated staff, and volunteers to provide services and support for those in need. Emergency food and shelter, residential addiction recovery ser -