The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary (SAWA) will celebrate “Messengers of Hope,” the theme of its 59th annual Women of Dedication (WOD) luncheon, presentation and fundraiser on Friday, March 28, 2025, at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. SAWA led by President, Ferol Henkels, along with WOD Event Chair, Vivian Tuck and Co-Chairs Nayda Locke and Inez J. Thomas have been working hard to ensure that the Women of Dedication luncheon is a complete success.
The event honors twelve extraordinary women – a dynamic and diverse group from throughout San Diego County – for their dedication to our community through volunteerism and service. The honorees include Valerie Attisha, Paula Cordeiro, Susan Davey, Julie Dubick, Kim Folsom, Fabienne Hanks, Kristie Bruce Lane, Deanna Mackey, Colleen Peterson, Susan Polizzotto, Linda Spuck, and Janean Stripe.
“It is with the utmost pleasure that The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary has the opportunity to recognize these twelve accomplished women.” Ferol Henkels, Auxiliary President shared with GB Magazine. “We can celebrate the significant and diverse impact each of them has made here in San Diego and highlight their commitment and compassion to making our community a better place.”
The 2025 Peggy Matthews Legacy Award recipient is Judith Brucker for her decades of service and dedication to the mission of The Salvation Army. The 2025 Honorary Chairs are Betty Brayshay, Joan Henkelmann, Fern Murphy and Pattie Wellborn, all known for their commitment to The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary and many other organizations. The Women’s Auxiliary is proud to honor these great community leaders.
The Women of Dedication luncheon begins at 10:30 am with shopping at exclusive boutiques offering jewelry, clothing, accessories, gift items and more, with 25% of proceeds donated to The Salvation Army. The luncheon and presentation of the twelve Honorees will follow with musical performances by Mackenzie Cartmill and 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 our 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.
www.sdsawa.salvationarmy.org
