The neon lights on Broadway may be shut down due to the pandemic, but COVID isn’t stopping one popular Turlock fundraiser from celebrating local healthcare heroes for its fifth anniversary.
The Divas on Broadway event first kicked off in 2017 as a way to recognize women who go above and beyond to give back to their community. The luncheon and fashion show is catered annually by The Udder Place and features some of the city’s most dashing men as waiters — “Divas on Broadway” aprons and all.
The fundraiser will look a bit different this year, but will acknowledge who could possibly be considered the event’s most worthy honorees yet — women in healthcare from Emanuel Medical Center, who have gone above and beyond to help the community during the coronavirus pandemic.
“We didn’t want to single anyone out because everyone there played such an important role this year,” said Divas chairwoman Lana Casey. “We’re honoring all 15 departments, from admin to nurses and housekeeping. There are so many fantastic women who have had a rough year with COVID-19.”
This year’s lunch will be held in a drive-thru format and will still be catered by The Udder Place, but will not feature a fashion show. Tickets are $30 and proceeds will benefit The Salvation Army, but it is the planning committee’s hope that attendees will also “Sponsor a Hero” for $30, which will provide an EMC healthcare worker with an appreciation gift, a swag bag, flowers and lunch.
Casey would love to see the Divas on Broadway event sponsor 200 healthcare workers, she said.
“It means everything to do this for them,” Casey said, noting that the Salvation Army and EMC partner in a variety of different ways, like family services and services for children. “For us to honor them is fantastic. It’s the least we could do.”
Additional sponsorship opportunities for the event include the Divas Friends Pack for $120, which includes four lunch tickets, a bottle of wine and flowers; the Showstopper, which includes tickets for eight, wine, flowers and advertising on social media for $600; or the Diva, which costs $1,000 and includes an exclusive bottle of wine, flowers, advertising on all signage/social media and a special guest gift.
“We’re looking forward to it and are excited for it,” Casey said. “This is our fifth year, so what a great way and perfect time to honor these women.
The Divas on Broadway Drive-thru Luncheon will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 13 in the Salvation Army parking lot, 893 Lander Ave. in Turlock. To buy tickets or a sponsorship, contact Beverly Spielman at the Salvation Army by calling 209-667-6091 ext. 1202.
