Celebrate all you made possible last year
It’s an evening of gratitude. Come join us!
Honoring Those Who Make a Difference ↘
WE ARE DEEPLY GRATEFUL for everyone who has gone above and beyond to lift up the YWCA and our mission.
This year, we recognize Wendy Cheng as board member of the year. She has served a total of nine years on the YWCA board and co-chaired our Luncheon for many more. Her impact is reflected in countless hours outside the boardroom. During a year that stretched staff capacity, Wendy stepped in repeatedly to support events, encourage staff, assist with donor outreach, and lead our annual Thank-a-Thon. She also played an important role on the board search committee that helped bring us our new Executive Director. Leading with generosity, humility, and commitment, Wendy is a treasure.
Our staff member of the year, Luz Suarez, keeps the shelter spotless, warm, and cozy—with care that goes far beyond housekeeping. She watches over our shelter, welcoming each child (many moms too) with a plush friend to hold onto. She treats this place as if it were her home. It’s not unusual to smell a pot of soup simmering on the stove or homemade tortillas warming in the oven for our residents and staff. Her dedication, kindness, and pride in her work make YWCA a place where healing can begin. Thank you, Luz.
Not all volunteers wish to be named, and we honor those who give their time in ways seen and unseen. One dear friend especially captures the spirit of this generosity. Year after year, she has quietly pulled up in a car packed with groceries and other essentials for women moving from the shelter into homes of their own. It is quiet generosity—deeply practical and profoundly impactful.
Finally, we are proud to recognize a long-time community partner—the Walla Walla Sweets Rollergirls. Since 2010, they have brought joy and generosity to our shelter during the holidays. Even during the height of the pandemic, they showed up— masked and determined—to make sure joy still arrived. Their message of resilience and persistence aligns beautifully with our mission, and we are grateful for their partnership.
To all of you who have supported YWCA Walla Walla in countless ways—thank you.