LOS BANOS, CA — The Los Banos chapter of Helping One Woman (HOW) is part of a national organization dedicated to supporting women experiencing life-altering medical challenges, either personally or within their immediate family. Founded with the goal of making a difference in one woman’s life at a time, HOW brings communities together through monthly fundraising dinners.
“Our focus is simply on supporting a woman going through a medical life-altering situation for herself or a member of her immediate family,” said Charlotte Bavaro, co-founder of the HOW Los Banos chapter. “It’s truly a fun night out…with a purpose, and we’d be honored to have you join us anytime.”
Every HOW chapter is entirely volunteer-run. Each month, the organization selects a woman nominated from the local community and hosts a dinner in her honor. Attendees contribute a minimum of $10, and additional support is raised through raffles and silent auctions. All proceeds go directly to that evening’s recipient.
According to Bavaro, HOW “was born out of a simple but powerful question: How can we make a difference in one woman’s life.” She explained that when someone faces a medical crisis, “the path forward can feel overwhelming and lonely,” and HOW provides not only financial relief but “community, compassion, and encouragement.”
One story Bavaro shared involved HOW’s second recipient—a mother whose young daughter was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. That same mother later started another HOW chapter. Her daughter, now a young adult, helps lead that chapter, and her other daughter has become one of the organization’s scholarship recipients.
“It’s stories like these that show HOW doesn’t just support a woman in crisis—it empowers her to turn around and lift someone else up,” Bavaro said.
This month, HOW Los Banos will honor Dora Gonzalez, a 52-year-old mother and grandmother known in the community for her kindness and generosity. In April 2024, Dora suffered a heart attack and was recovering when her husband, Jose Gonzalez, was diagnosed with two aneurysms. During surgery, Jose experienced a life-altering stroke that left him in critical condition. Dora remained by his side through a hospitalization and rehabilitation period that lasted nearly six weeks.
Now, the Gonzalez family is focused on healing and rebuilding. Dora and her children are working together to provide care for Jose while navigating the challenges of recovery.
The dinner in Dora’s honor will be held on Tuesday, April 16 at 5:30 p.m. at M&M’s Italian Restaurant in Los Banos. Tickets must be reserved in advance and will not be sold at the door. Those interested in attending can email LosBanosHOW@gmail.com for more information or to help support their mission.
HOW has distributed over $1.5 million in direct gifts to women through its 22 chapters nationwide. The organization hopes to continue growing and reaching more communities.
