Eleven “Gems of Generosity” to be Honored.
The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary (SAWA) will hold its 60th annual Women of Dedication luncheon on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. The theme, “Gems of Generosity,” complements the event’s 60-year Diamond Jubilee. President Ferol Henkels and event chairs Janice Kurth, Cynthia Kronemyer, and Jeannette Day have been working to ensure the success of this momentous occasion.
The event will honor eleven extraordinary women – a dynamic and diverse group from throughout San Diego County – for their dedication to our community through philanthropy, volunteerism and service.
The Honorees for 2026 are Eunice Bragais, Raye Clendening, Cherie Enge, Phyllis Epstein, Nancy Maldonado, Heather Manion, Lisé Markham, Marla Marshall, Laurie McGrath, Cami Rosso and Beatriz Valencia.
“It is with the utmost pleasure that The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary recognizes these accomplished women,” Henkels shared with GB Magazine. “We look forward to celebrating the significant impact each of them has made here in San Diego and will highlight their compassion and commitment to making our community a better place.”
Susan and Bill Hoehn will be receiving the 2026 Peggy Matthews Legacy Award in recognition of their decades of community service and their dedication to the mission of The Salvation Army. The 2026 Honorary Chairs are Sandra and Jeffry Schafer, known for their commitment to The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary and many other organizations. The Women’s Auxiliary is proud to honor these exemplary community leaders.
The Women of Dedication Luncheon begins with shopping at exclusive boutiques offering clothing, jewelry, accessories, gift items and more with 25% of the proceeds donated to The Salvation Army. To add a little extra sparkle to the Diamond Jubilee celebration, David Levi and Sons Jewelers will be at the event offering wholesale prices on fine jewelry as well as giving a donation to The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary on any purchases. The luncheon and presentation of the eleven Honorees will follow with musical performances by Mackenzie Cartmill, Bryan Verhoye and the San Diego Master Chorale.
Proceeds from the event will fund local Salvation Army programs that serve families and individuals experiencing homelessness, those suffering from chemical addiction, food pantries at their Community Corps Centers and senior nutrition sites across the county. The Salvation Army meets the needs of individuals without discrimination.
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.
Want to see more San Diego galas and events? Explore the full San Diego Gala Calendar for upcoming celebrations and fundraisers.
