Our Leadership

A Letter from Our President

“Make a joyful noise to the LORD” – Psalm 100:1

I am extremely excited and honored to lead the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary in 2026/27! Thank you so very much for agreeing to serve this year as an Officer or Committee Chair of SAWA.

SAWA works with Houstonians in need with our Angel Tree Tag program, distributing gifts to children and seniors who otherwise would most likely not receive one. We sort jewelry at ARC to support men overcoming addiction who are learning the retail trade. We teach young people how to write essays and speak in front of a group in order to receive scholarships. We hold a fun and inspiring Easter Party to entertain and educate young people about the miracle of Jesus’ resurrection. We work an entire year collecting clothing and accessories and creating the best pop-up showroom in Houston. We raise a large amount of money that stays here in Houston helping Houstonians in need.

Let’s all make a joyful noise lending our talents and voices to “Doing the Most Good”.

Thanks for all that you do for SAWA!

Darlene Clark
Auxiliary President

SAWA 2025-2026 Officers

President
Darlene Clark

Vice President &
President Elect
Sally Gray

Vice President/Special Event (ROS)
Melanie Jarrell

Recording Secretary
Elise Cross

Recording Secretary
Elise Cross

Corresponding Secretary
Ann Tornyos

Treasurer
Trish Greaser

Assistant Treasurer
Diana “Stick” Delaup

Assistant Treasurer
Diane Morales

Historian
Kelly Cawthorn

Historian
Joyce Eng

Historian
Raquel Lewis

Parliamentarian
Karinne McCullough

Chaplain
Dorothy Nicholson

Committee Chairs

Advisory Board Liaison
Maureen Higdon

Christmas:
Angel Tree Corps
Registration
Laura McWilliams
Cynthia Moreno

Christmas:
Angel Tree Corps
Distribution
Cynthia Moreno
Mary Camden

Christmas:
Angel Tree Tags
Maggie Smith
Laurie VanderPloeg

Christmas:
Red Kettle
Trenette Allen
Elba Villarreal

Christmas:
Santa’s Workshop & General Meeting
Sandy Campion
Mary Sage

Christmas:
Senior Party
Lesha Elsenbrook
Betty Hrncir

Christmas:
Wrapping ARC Gifts
Debby Leighton
Jean Peck

Communications & Butterfly BUZZ Newsletter
Leslie Devillier

Creative Advisor
Carol Sharpe

Easter Party
Jan Griesenbeck
Judi McGee

Fall Membership Tea
& General Meeting
Lilly Andress
Carol Sharpe

Grants
Susan Binney

Hospitality
Deborah Dunkum
Lucy Lewis

Jewelry Sorting
Helen Chin
Jewelry Yep

Jones Family Residence
Antoinette Maywald
Andrea Turner

Long Range Planning
Lilly Andress
Ann Bookout
Jane Wise

Members at Large
Ginger Blanton
Judy Chong
Kathy Goossen
Susan Hansen

Members at Large
Patti Kroll
Jan Rhodes
Gina Saour
Vicki West

Membership
Becca Herbold

Membership Directory
Erin Joe

Membership Engagement / Membership Committee
Mary Maxey

Membership
Orientation Tour
“Hop On the Bus”
Kelley Brown
Mary Floye Federer
Alison Gemp

Nominating
Gayle Eury

President's Luncheon
& Annual Meeting
Maureen Higdon

Publicity
Linda McReynolds

Spring Membership Tea & General Meeting
Deborah Laws
Raquel Lewis

Margot Perot Spirit Award

The Margot Perot Spirit Award, created in 2003, was named in honor of Margot Perot, who was instrumental in establishing The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary of Houston. The award is presented annually to a SAWA member who exemplifies these outstanding attributes:

She is a woman who has a kind spirit but is not fragile.
She is a woman who has given her heart to God and demonstrates the love of Christ to others.
She is one who is a leader but helps others to excel.
She is not only a leader but volunteers and serves others and helps in time of need.
She is one who demonstrates a “can do” attitude and helps SAWA accomplish its goals.
She is an active member of SAWA.

Award Recipients

2026
Judy Chong

2025
Dorothy Nicholson

2024
Gayle Eury

2023
Betty Hrncir

2022
Frances Howard

2021
Lucy Lewis

2020
Gina Saour

2019
Ginger Blanton

2018
Jane Wise

2017
Diana “Stick” Delaup

2016
Leslie Devillier

2015
Linda McReynolds

2014
Rhonda Jones

2013
Deborah D. Dunkum

2012
Brenda DeVore

2011
Debby Leighton

2011
Mary Maxey

2010
Billie Selke

2009
Carol Sharpe

2008
Judi McGee

2007
Fran Carlquist

2006
Lilly Andress

2004
Margot Perot

Reflections on Style (ROS) Honorees

Reflections on Style is a multifaceted, annual fundraising event that includes a luncheon, runway show, silent auction and Chic Boutique shopping experiences. All monetary support raised by ROS stays within the greater Houston area through the form of grants awarded to the Salvation Army.