Rhiana Jones is HOW recipient

HOW supporters will gather at the Oakhurst Community Center on Tuesday, June 16, to honor local resident Rhiana Jones. 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.

Rhiana’s story

Rhiana Jones has been part of the mountain community for the past 10 years, shared sponsor Shannon Brimmage. She said Jones has been bringing people together through creativity, kindness and connection.

“Many know and love Rhiana as the smiling face behind Handmade Joy by Rhi, where she hosts joyful paint parties that encourage neighbors and friends to gather, create and share laughter together,” said Brimmage.

“Behind that warm smile, however, Rhiana and her husband Mike have been quietly carrying an enormous burden.”

Mike lives with diabetes, kidney failure and disability. Over the past several years the couple has endured his countless hospital stays, medical procedures and ongoing doctor visits.

“Then, this April, during a routine self-examination, Rhiana discovered a lump that led to a devastating diagnosis of breast cancer.”

While doctors continue to determine the best course of treatment, HOW said Jones is likely facing a mastectomy along with months of treatment, recovery and uncertainty ahead.

“Even through these challenges, she continues to show up for others with grace, creativity and compassion.”

Here’s HOW it works

The dinner for Rhiana Jones on Tuesday, June 16, 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 provided by Willow Creek Catering. Diners will have a choice of a Beef Stroganoff, Tuscan Chicken over Noodles or Vegetarian Tuscan over Noodles. The cost is $20.50 per person plus a $2.00 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 Sunday, June 14 at noon.

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.