GALT, CA (MPG) - A new tradition of generosity, compassion and community has officially begun in Galt. HOW Galt (Helping One Woman) hosted its very first monthly dinner on April 7, bringing together a full room of community members for an evening centered on showing up for a local woman facing an irreplaceable loss.

The inaugural dinner honored Danielle Brechbill, the chapter’s very first recipient, and marked the beginning of what organizers hope will become a meaningful and lasting source of support for women in the Galt area.

Held at Brewsters Kitchen & Cocktails, the event was filled with generosity, laughter, heartfelt moments and overwhelming support from attendees, donors and volunteers.

Through dinner tickets, raffles, silent auction baskets, dessert auction items, games and donations, the evening demonstrated just how powerful a community can be when it comes together for one person in need.

Front row, from left: Kirra Lara, Sierra Jaramillo, Bailie Harrington, Kelly Oltmanns, Lily Heidrich, Kaylee Dunkel. Second row: Remington Johnson, Nicole Gross, Charlie Johnson, Becky Roenspie, Michaela Johnson. Third row: Michelle Woods, Bailey Oliveira. Fourth row: Cari Brown, Susan Schmidt, Alison Simonich, Kat Seabolt, Gunner Brechbill, Danielle Brechbill, Michelle Chandler, JessaLee Goehring. Back row: Amy Havens, Trisha Chapman, Pam Deans, Kathy Seifert, Karen Bond, Cindy Goldman, Andrea Johnson, Tammie Vandenburg. 

What is HOW

Helping One Woman (HOW) is a national nonprofit organization built on a simple but powerful idea: Each month, one woman in the community who is experiencing an irreplaceable loss is selected to be honored and supported.

That loss may come in many forms: the loss of a spouse or child, a life-altering health diagnosis for herself, spouse or child, or another irreplaceable loss. The goal of HOW is to remind that woman that she is not alone.

The idea for a HOW chapter in Galt began when Trisha Chapman, Bailey Oliveira, Michelle Woods, Susan Schmidt and Cindy Goldman attended Helping One Woman dinners in Lodi. That is where Goldman herself had been a recipient last August.

After witnessing firsthand the impact of those evenings and recognizing that many women from Galt had also been supported by the Lodi chapter, the group saw a clear need for a chapter closer to home. They began working with the national organization last year to bring HOW to Galt, which now proudly becomes the 28th chapter nationwide.

The first Tuesday of each month, the community will gather for dinner at Brewsters (201 4th St.), hear her story and surround her with financial and emotional support. Funds raised during the evening are presented directly to that month’s recipient at the end of the night.

At its core, HOW is about more than financial assistance. It is about support, encouragement and the reminder that even in life’s hardest seasons, a woman can be carried by the strength of her community.

 

HOW Galt recipient for the month of April Danielle Brechbill speaks during the inaugural April 7 dinner. 

A Strong Start in Galt

The first HOW Galt dinner was a huge success, with local businesses, families, friends and neighbors stepping up to make the night special.

In addition to the gifted prizes and desserts, the evening was made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers: Michaela Johnson, Becky Roenspie, Kat Seabolt, Nicole Gross, Karen Bond, Krystal Mason, Amy Havens, Alison Simonich, Andrea Johnson, Pam Deans, Cari Brown, JessaLee Goehring, Chris Chapman, Tammie Vandenburg, Kathy Seifert, Abby Woods, Maria Freitas, Cindy Beskeen and Danielle’s soccer girls, whose time and heart brought the event to life.

Special thanks to Katie Fewell (photography), Brian King of KingSound! Productions (sound) and Raquel’s Party Co. (balloons), along with generous support from United Party Rentals in Sacramento, Chandler Gross Group (recipient table sponsor), Roenspie + Johnson Real Estate Group (centerpieces and door prize) and Ace Hardware in Galt (door prize), all of whom helped to create a warm and memorable evening for the community. A full list of everyone who gifted can be found on the HOW Galt Facebook page.

Organizers said the response from the community has been incredibly encouraging and are excited to continue building momentum each month.

“This first dinner was such a beautiful reflection of what can happen when a community comes together with open hearts,” HOW Leadership team member Michelle Woods shared. “We are so grateful for everyone who attended, gifted, volunteered and helped make this first night so special for Danielle.”

 

Danielle Brechbill, the first recipient of the HOW Galt chapter, shares an embrace with her son Gunner Brechbillduring the April 7 dinner held in her honor.

May Dinner to Honor Stephanie Mallari

HOW Galt is already preparing for its next dinner, which will be held on Tuesday, May 5 and will honor Stephanie Mallari.

Community members are invited to attend and be part of another evening of support, generosity and encouragement for a local woman in need.

Tickets for the May 5 dinner can be purchased online at mysosevent.com. Organizers encourage those interested in attending to purchase tickets early, as seating may be limited.

As HOW Galt continues to grow, organizers hope the dinners become a monthly reminder of what makes small communities so special: neighbors showing up for one another in meaningful ways.

For those who want to follow along, attend future dinners or learn more about the organization’s mission, HOW Galt invites the community to stay connected and be part of what’s just beginning. Follow them on Facebook at (Helping One Woman - Galt), Instagram (@howgalt) or contact them at [email protected].

Helping One Woman (HOW) is a national nonprofit that supports local women facing the loss of a spouse or child, a serious health diagnosis, or another life-altering loss by hosting monthly community dinners that raise funds and morale for selected recipients.

 

Helping One Woman (HOW) is a national nonprofit that supports local women facing the loss of a spouse or child, a serious health diagnosis, or another life-altering loss by hosting monthly community dinners that raise funds and morale for selected recipients.