The annual Divas luncheon is returning for its eighth year on Match 9 in an effort to raise money for the Salvation Army Turlock Corps.

The Divas event was started as a way to recognize women who go above and beyond to give back to the Turlock community. Attendees are treated to a luncheon, fashion show, opportunity drawing and a live auction.

“Divas honors women in our community who are doing good things… sometimes quietly behind the scenes and sometimes out in the front with a loud voice. A true diva also empowers and celebrates other women,” said event chair Kristin Bettencourt.

Being honored this year is Candace Gonsalves, Wanda Bonnel, Liz Padilla and Kimberly Weese. The late Pat Portwood will also be a posthumous honoree while Off Center Thrift and Gift will be the year’s group honoree.

Gonsalves is the owner of Farm House, a home decor and gift shop in Turlock. Every year, Gonsalves spearheads Photos with Santa alongside Stephanie Baker Photography, with all proceeds benefiting Westside Ministries. She also helped kickstart the annual Shop the Blocks event in downtown Turlock, held annually on the first Sunday of November to promote Turlock’s downtown and the upcoming holiday shopping season. Additionally, she is involved with activities at Chatom Elementary School, serving as president of their parent-teacher club and is a driving force behind their annual Halloween carnival. Several years ago, she began fundraising efforts that were closer to home when her niece, Bella, was diagnosed with leukemia at six years old. 

Bonnel worked in higher education for over 25 years with extensive experience with former foster youth, developing the Promise Scholars Foster Youth Program at California State University, Stanislaus and serving as the coordinator for 10 years prior to her retirement. Her contributions to the Promise Scholars Program and the university is reflected in her numerous awards and recognitions. She is also involved in several service organizations including the American Association of University Women. She was recently given an honorary doctorate degree from Stanislaus State.

Padilla is on the forefront of Helping Hands Ministry, which provides care and resources to those less fortunate in the community, including homeless individuals. Padilla and Helping Hands are known for cleaning up the downtown area while providing clothes and hygiene products for those who are unhoused. Padilla has also held fundraisers to  give burials for some of the unsheltered individuals who have passed away. She has also been known to advocate for homeless individuals.

Weese is a local Realtor and owns Valley Heritage Realty alongside her husband, Neil. The couple are members of Advancing Children of Turlock, which is a social group committed to building opportunities for underprivileged children across the city. Nearly a decade ago, she helped launch the Kettle Dash 5K to help raise funds for the Salvation Army, where she has also volunteered every year.

Portwood, who passed away on Nov. 2, 2023, at the age of 77, will be honored posthumously for her life of service. She joined the Stanislaus Library Foundation in 2010 and coordinated the Measure T campaign in Turlock for funding of the library system. She also served as the county co-chair for the Measure S campaign in 2017, which extended library funding for the system through 2029. As president of the Friends of the Turlock Library, she chaired the capital campaign which made possible the renovation of the library. Working with other volunteers in that group, she also spearheaded a program that brings well-known authors to speak to local audiences. She also held key leadership positions with the Turlock-Modesto Branch of American Association of University Women, the Tuesday Reading Club, Stanislaus County Commission for Women and served as Meet & Learn coordinator for the Stanislaus County League of Women Voters. 

The group honoree, the folks of Off Center Thrift and Gift, will be recognized for their over $1 million in donations to local organizations, including Relay for Life, Jessica’s House, the Turlock Autism Group, the Turlock Gospel Mission, the Denair Gaslight Theatre, the Women’s and Children Center, Friends of the Turlock Library, United Samaritans, Turlock Community Theatre, Camp Taylor, Lions’ Clubs, high school sober grad nights and more.

The March 9 event will be held at 12 noon at the Carnegie Arts Center. Tickets are $50 or $480 for a table of eight. There are also several sponsorship opportunities available. Those interested can contact Bettencourt at (209) 850-1851 or the Salvation Army at (209) 667-6091.