RANCHO SANTA FE — On April 9, the 2014 Women of Dedication Luncheon, hosted by The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, honored 14 women in San Diego County for its 49th annual event. Two of the honorees were Rancho Santa Fe residents.
Both recognized for their devoted volunteerism, Rosalie Camacho and Rosalie Gerevas, were humbled by the event since it served as a platform to thank the ladies for their valued time, skill, and heartfelt compassion they give to the San Diego community.
While the luncheon was held at the San Diego Sheraton Hotel and Marina, it was also a much-anticipated annual charity event.
“Most people don’t realize that about 90 percent of the money donated at our fundraiser luncheon goes back into our San Diego Salvation Army programs and services,” said honoree Rosalie Camacho, Centre City and S.T.E.P.S. Liaison for the Salvation Army.
Camacho, a third generation San Diegan, has served on numerous boards such as Summerbridge San Diego, National Kidney Foundation of San Diego, El Museo del Pueblo, La Jolla Debutante Society and Project Safe House.
Also part of the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, Camacho is devoted to The Salvation Army’s S.T.E.P.S. program.
“S.T.E.P.S. is a transitional living program which helps men who have been incarcerated or homeless to bring them back into society,” she said.
The S.T.E.P.S. program offers men another chance to get reintegrated back into society with practical skills such as help with employment services, saving money and cooking.
While some men return to share their achievement stories, others have become highly successful and support the program, Camacho said.
Although being an honoree has been a memorable experience, there has been another indelible imprint for Camacho. “I was honored to be among this group of women who have done so much for San Diego,” she said, referring to her fellow honorees.
Rosalie Gerevas, the current board chair for Serving Seniors, formerly known as Senior Community Centers, will be finishing her term in June 30. Once that term ends, she will be joining the Women’s Auxiliary board for The Salvation Army in July, assisting with senior programs.
Gerevas hopes she can bring the knowledge from her previous work to The Salvation Army program.
“Some seniors are just as vulnerable as the very young; and, they need help and people to look after them,” she said. “Some of these seniors have no one and they need someone to advocate for them to keep them safe, make sure they are fed and they get the services they need.”
Gerevas has also been involved with the San Diego Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Komen San Diego Race for the Cure, San Diego Women’s Foundation and Fairbanks Republican Women Federated.
Gerevas admits there are so many dimensions to The Salvation Army. “It’s an amazing organization that adds so much for the community,” she said.
She is extremely touched to be named an honoree and hopes she stays in touch with the other wonderful honorees who have done so much.
Jan Reital, Vice President of Public Communications for The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, was a former “Women of Dedication” honoree.
Reital explained that past “women of dedication” submit the nominations. On average, a couple hundred applications are submitted and reviewed by the Selection Committee.
Honorees have no idea they were nominated until they receive a dozen, long-stemmed roses with an announcement.
“The ‘Women of Dedication’ have tremendous heart for their community and want to give back, but they generally don’t want recognition because they’re humble,” Reital said.
