Georgia Kopel to be honored by HOW on May 19

HOW supporters on Tuesday, May 19, will come together at the Oakhurst Community Center to honor Oakhurst resident Georgia Kopel.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

HOW is centered on uplifting monthly community dinners for women who have suffered a devastating loss. The HOW leadership team includes Kim Morris, Jennifer Snyder, Molly Taylor and Amanda Feil.

Georgia’s story

Kopel built the life she leads today on lessons of strength and compassion, said sponsor Lori Howard.

“Seven years ago Georgia and John chose to move to Oakhurst,” Howard explained of her friend, who retired after 27 years with Girl Scouts of America.

“They both fell in love with the town when they crested the Deadwood turnout where the ‘Welcome to Oakhurst’ sign is located and witnessed the view that takes all of our breath away. They found home!”

Shortly after buying a house together, Georgia’s mother passed away followed by the sudden death of John, the love of her life.

“The loss was overwhelming.”

Last December, Kopel was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer and is currently on her second course of chemotherapy, waiting for surgery.

Her treatments are weekly in Fresno and she is said to be grateful “to have so many friends that are kind enough to drive her to and from the treatments each week.”

Kopel’s son, daughter and grandchildren have been “amazing through her whole transformation.” Daughter Jenna is living with her while son Drew and grandkids are in constant contact.

And for anyone who hasn’t seen Georgia in a while, her waist-length hair was cut and sent to Locks of Love prior to the start of chemo. Locks of Love is a public nonprofit organization providing high-quality custom hair prosthetics free of charge to children in the U.S. and Canada.

“And she wears bald well. Always thinking of others, that’s Georgia.”

All are invited to join in to surround Kopel with love, encouragement and support during this challenging time.

“Let’s come together as a community to lift her spirits and give back to someone who has given so much to others.”

Here’s HOW it works

The dinner for Georgia Kopel on Tuesday, May 19, is set for the Oakhurst Community Center (39800 Road 425B) in Oakhurst. Dinner is at 6 p.m. and the prize drawing is at 7 p.m. Dinners are family friendly and children are happily included.

Dinner will be catered by Sierra Oakhurst Kiwanis. Diners will have a choice of a chicken meal with baked beans, potato salad and roll or a veggie meal with baked beans, potato salad and roll. The cost is $20 per person plus a $1.99 fee.

A venue sponsor is still being sought.

Each guest pays for their dinner and also contributes a minimum $10 collected at the door, payable in cash or check. Checks should be made to Georgia Kopel.

Prepaid tickets are required. Guests must reserve their seats and prepay for their meals at www.MySOSevent.com/ in advance.

No ticket sales will be available at the door. Tickets for the event are refundable but SOS platform fees are non-refundable. The deadline to register is Thursday, May 14 at 11 a.m.

Raffle, silent and/or live auction items will be available. Door prizes and auction items are donated each month by local merchants and individuals. At the end of the evening the money is gifted to the woman being honored.

You can help: monetary gifts, raffle items and auction items are accepted. Contact a HOW leader to arrange pick up or delivery: Kim Morris (661) 304-6046; Jennifer Snyder (818) 314-9168; Molly Taylor (909) 915-0375 or Amanda Feil (661) 304-6045.

Email howoakhurstchapter@gmail.com or visit HOW Oakhurst on Facebook for more information.