The Turlock Salvation Army’s annual women’s recognition luncheon and fundraiser may be called Divas, but the female community leaders who were honored on Saturday were the opposite of the definition of a “diva.” The six women and one women-led nonprofit were all lauded for their selfless actions and commitment to give back to their communities.
Saturday’s affair at the Carnegie Arts Center was the Salvation Army’s 9th annual Divas luncheon. The event included an auction, fashion show from Bella Forte Boutique, Cabi Styles and Bijou Boutique and performances from Backstage Academy of Dance members.
“I think this was one of our best Divas events to date. We always sell out and, of course, we are so grateful for that support but overall this year’s energy was just different,” said Kristin Bettencourt, Divas committee chair, who mentioned that more money than ever was raised in just the live auction portion of the event. “And, our honorees…all wonderful women in our community just doing what their hearts have lead them to do.
“Because of smaller successful events like Divas, 80 children will be able to attend summer camp. Our committee and the staff at the Salvation Army are beyond grateful and already planning for next year’s 10th annual event,” she continued.
The Divas 2025 honorees included:
— Denise Maxwell: As an employee of the Turlock Raley’s grocery store, Maxwell has participated in the Raley’s Food For Families campaign. She has also volunteered with the American Cancer Society for year, walking in Relay for Life.
“Denise has a genuine appreciation for people, whether they are family or friends. Taking care of them is her first priority, giving up her time endlessly to so many is what she does,” said Divas emcee Allison Van Guilder.
— Renee Pacheco: A longtime volunteer Turlock Little League, youth softball and football coach, Pacheco is a dedicated supporter of local youth athletics. She is also a founder of the Pitman Development Foundation, which raises funds for facility improvements and scholarships for Pitman High School.
— Joanne Perez: Since 1986, Perez has been a driving force behind the annual Turlock CanTree event. The CanTree breakfast (and now dinner) is hosted by the Central Valley Association of Realtors to benefit the Turlock Together holiday food and toy giveaway. In 2024, the event raised over $29,000. In the past she was a dedicated volunteer for the Dancing With the Turlock Stars event, which also raised funds for the Salvation Army.
“Joanne may be recognized as a diva today, but she is far from a diva — and like our other nominees — is humble, kind, caring and someone who flies under the radar doing what she does, not for the glory or accolades, but because it is what is in her heart,” said Van Guilder.
— Lori Smith: As co-owner of Main Street Antiques, Smith has been a longtime supporter of Turlock’s downtown business district. As a member of the Turlock Historical Society, she helps organize the annual Downtown Ghost Walk. Smith was also part of the committee that saw the return of the Turlock Melon Festival after almost a 100-year hiatus, helping bring a little of Turlock’s history back to life.
— Gloria Smallwood and Brityn Butrick: This mother and daughter duo opened LaMo Café in 2014 and it has become channel through which they love and serve their staff, guests and local community. The two are actively involved in supporting several nonprofits through the business. Smallwood has served on the Turlock Gospel Mission board for many years and LaMo hires men and women through TGM who completed a one-year restoration program. Smallwood also serves as treasurer for the Kitchens for Change board, a nonprofit founded by Audrey Smallwood that provides for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity, and served on Jessica’s House’s first Heart Circle board.
Butrick’s mission to care and educate others on health and wellness is apparent through the sharing of her knowledge at LaMo and through her social media sites. Due to her current and past experiences with cancer, Butrick has found a community to share her love of good, nutritious and healthful recipes.
“Brityn’s personal story inspires and brings practical lifestyle changes to others walking their own health journey,” said Van Guilder.
— Music for a Cure: Parkinstock: Sherri Todd, Teri Anderson, Monica Piedra and Lisa Sanders are the brainchild of Parkinstock, an annual music concert to benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation and its Parkinson’s Disease research. What started out as a walk to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s Disease in 2012, turned into a livestreamed music concert during the pandemic, and then into a live event with partner Blaker Brewing out of Ceres. The group has been recognized multiple times by the Michael J. Fox Foundation as a MVP fundraising campaign. Over the years, they have raised a total of $136,000.
