Kathy Keefe to be honored at HOW dinner slated for Oct. 20

Supporters will gather at Sierra Senior Center in Oakhurst on Tuesday, Oct. 20 in support of foothills resident Kathy Keefe.

The HOW (Helping One Woman) leadership team includes Kim Morris, Jennifer Snyder, Molly Taylor and Amanda Feil. Keefe is sponsored by Pam Alten and friends.

Alten said Keefe has called the mountain area home for the past 16 years. She’s a familiar face at the Sierra Senior Center, enjoying the friendship and connection of the local senior community.

“Before making her home here, Kathy had a career as an attorney with work that included advocating for and protecting women,” said Alten.

Keefe’s daughter followed in her footsteps and also became an attorney.

And Keefe has a longtime connection to Yosemite.

“She was a member of the Yosemite Conservancy for approximately 20 years and spent a summer volunteering in the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, a place that holds special meaning for so many in our mountain community.”

But in August, Kathy’s life changed when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Just weeks later she underwent a mastectomy and is now navigating recovery and everything that comes with a cancer diagnosis while living on Social Security and without family nearby.

“Although Kathy does not have any local family, she does have a community that cares about her. Friends describe her as kind, loving and generous and they want her to know that she does not have to walk through this chapter alone.”

On Tuesday, Oct. 20, Helping One Woman Oakhurst will come together for Keefe.

“It will be an evening to surround her with friendship, encouragement and support, and to remind her just how many people are standing behind her.”

HOW envisions a world where everyone is willing to provide comfort and support to another person when they need hope restored to their life. The group is centered on uplifting monthly community dinners for women who have suffered a devastating loss.

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 Kathy Keefe.

Prepaid tickets for her dinner are required before Sunday, Oct. 18 at noon. Guests must reserve their seats and prepay for their meals at mysosevent.com/events/oakhurstforkathykeefe.

Willow Creek is catering the meal and Sierra Senior Center will provide the venue. Dinner is at 6 p.m. and prize drawing at 7 p.m. Dinners are family friendly and children are happily included.

Dinner options include a choice of Mild Chicken Coconut Curry, Mild Beef Coconut Curry or Mild Vegetarian Coconut Curry.

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.

Monetary gifts, raffle items and auction items are currently being accepted.

HOW Oakhurst chapter volunteer leaders are Jennifer Snyder (818) 314-9168, Kim Morris (661) 304-6046, Molly Taylor

(909) 915-0375 and Amanda Feil (661) 304-6045. Email howoakhurstchapter@gmail.com or visit HOW Oakhurst on Facebook for more information.

Doors open at Sierra Senior Center (49111 Cinder Lane) in Oakhurst at 5:30 p.m.