OAKHURST, CA – The local chapter of nonprofit organization Helping One Woman (HOW) will meet on January 13, 2026, at The Sierra Senior Center in Oakhurst. The first recipient of the new year is Shaina Zelazo, who is lovingly sponsored by Kris Rush.
Helping One Woman Oakhurst January Recipient: Shaina Zelazo
Shaina has called Mariposa home for 26 years, and for nearly two decades she has given her heart to both Mariposa and Oakhurst. From coaching young athletes to volunteering at school events and helping with countless fundraisers, she has always been someone who lifts up everyone around her.
Until her diagnosis, she was coaching at Yosemite High School, inspiring students with her energy
and kindness. On October 1st, 2025, Shaina was admitted to the ER when her cancer took an unexpected turn. Doctors discovered an infection in her left lung and in her blood. Since then, her treatment has included specialized care in Arizona, along with multiple trips for labs and chemotherapy.
Despite following every medical recommendation, she has faced significant challenges, including a recent hospitalization for pneumonia. Through it all, her courage, resilience, and fighting spirit have inspired everyone who knows her. Shaina is a devoted wife, mother, and avid athlete who loves the outdoors and embraces a healthy, active lifestyle. She is determined to return to the vibrant life she loves once she beats this cancer and we stand with her every step of the way. Join us for her upcoming HOW dinner as we gather to honor her strength, lift her spirits, and remind her she is never alone. Let’s come together and fill the room with love for Shaina.
Dinner Details
Tuesday, January 13th at 6:00pm (doors open at 5:30pm)
Sierra Senior Center, Oakhurst
Prepaid ticket required: https://mysosevent.com/events/howoakhurst-shainazelazo-jan2026
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Sierra Senior Center for gifting us the use of their facility at no charge. Their generosity helps make evenings like this possible.
HOW It Works
• Prepaid dinner tickets are required. Please reserve your ticket & pre-pay for your meal at www.MySOSEvent.com in advance. Doors open at 5:30pm, dinner at 6:00pm, raffle drawing begins at 7:00pm. Open seating, RSVP deadline: Friday, January 9th at 5pm.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Seats are limited. NO entry is permitted without a prepaid dinner ticket. There are NO ticket sales available at the door. You will receive an email confirmation of your dinner ticket purchase. If you do not receive an email confirming your dinner ticket purchase, contact us at HOWOakhurst@HelpingOneWoman.org.
• To reserve: Log in at www.MySOSEvent.com account. Click RESERVE, choose your meal, and ADD ANOTHER TICKET for each guest. Please include full names to help reduce check-in time. You may modify or cancel reservations until January 9th at 5:00pm. To reduce check-in wait times, please include both the first and last names of your guests. You may modify or cancel reservations until Friday, January 9th at 5pm.
Need help creating an account on www.MySOSEvent.com or help reserving tickets? Please contact us at HOWOakhurst@HelpingOneWoman.org asap.
• A minimum $10 monetary gift for the recipient is collected at the door (cash, check, or Venmo). Checks may be made payable to Shaina Zelazo.
• Enjoy raffle items, desserts, and silent and/or live auction opportunities!
Special Menu
Prime Rib Slider Burgers with Tater Tots: $21.00 – 3-prime rib sliders, topped with cheese and bacon. Served with tater tots.
Asada Baked Potato: $18.00 – Butter, cheese, onions, cilantro and sour cream.
Pulled Pork Baked Potato: $18.00 – Butter, bbq pork, bbq sauce and coleslaw.
Loaded Veggie Baked Potato: $14.50 – Butter, cheese, zucchini, onions, sweet peppers and broccoli.
Classic Baked Potato: $14.50 – Butter, cheese, bacon, green onions and sour cream.
All meals include water, tea, or lemonade. Potatoes are cooked in oil, salt, and garlic.
Questions & Additional Information
Want to contribute a raffle item, auction item, or dessert? Please reach out to a HOW Leader. We don’t have a drop-off location, but we are happy to meet you and thank you personally. The $10 gift and all raffle, auction, and dessert proceeds go directly to Shaina.
You do not need to know Shaina to join the fun. Men and children are welcome. We are a family-friendly community.
Make your own nomination! Nominations are made in person by attending a HOW Dinner. One adult per nomination form per dinner, so bring friends!
Recipient criteria: 1) your nominee must be a woman in our community, and 2) this woman (or her child or her spouse) is going through or has gone through, an irreplaceable loss, within the last 18 months. Please note that a financial hardship alone does not qualify a HOW Recipient. Not sure your recipient qualifies to be nominated? Contact us with questions.
Shaina will randomly draw our February recipient at the end of the evening.
The deep emotional support we share with our recipients is at the heart of the Helping One Woman mission. We look forward to being with you on Tuesday, January 13th as we honor Shaina Zelazo.