Gathering for Women

Spring Fling One Act Series, Friday
2024-05-03 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Lighthouse Cinema & Event Center, 525 Lighthouse Blvd., Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Enjoy a night at the theatre with Soapbox Stageworks and support GFW!
Where: Lighthouse Cinema, Pacific Grove
When: Friday, May 3, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Tickets: $35
Best of all, 10% of all proceeds will go to Gathering for Women – Monterey!
Soapbox Stageworks presents a unique theatre experience, where the audience will see a total of five One Act Plays from playwrights around the world as well as one local. This will be held at the newly created Enea Sisters’ Stage at the Lighthouse Cinema and Event Center in Pacific Grove, California. The superb cast includes actors both local and nonlocal actors who are dazzling in their delivery and won’t disappoint.
Here is the tantalizing line up.
Divided Requiem a drama by Paul Donnely – An exploration of loss and suicide, and the devastating impact on a gay couple’s marriage.
A Declaration of Independence A comedy by Dan Maurer – As a middle-age wife decides she wants to become an influencer, her husband is left flaberghasted.
The Unknowns a dramedy by Kacie Michelle- A New York couple in their late thirties finds themselves in a precarious situation after opening the door to strangers.
Intermission
Leo & Rosa a dramedy by Adam Szudrich- Can two lovers who met in Auschwitz reconnect and rekindle their love?
The Mavisville March a dramedy by Karen Devaney – A hilarious and poignant look into the the Women’s Lib movement in small town America.
Click here to purchase tickets for Friday, May 3rd!

Spring Fling One Act Series, Saturday
2024-05-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Lighthouse Cinema & Event Center, 525 Lighthouse Blvd., Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Enjoy a night at the theatre with Soapbox Stageworks and support GFW!
Where: Lighthouse Cinema, Pacific Grove
When: Saturday, May 4, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Tickets: $35
Best of all, 10% of all proceeds will go to Gathering for Women – Monterey!
Soapbox Stageworks presents a unique theatre experience, where the audience will see a total of five One Act Plays from playwrights around the world as well as one local. This will be held at the newly created Enea Sisters’ Stage at the Lighthouse Cinema and Event Center in Pacific Grove, California. The superb cast includes actors both local and nonlocal actors who are dazzling in their delivery and won’t disappoint.
Here is the tantalizing line up.
Divided Requiem a drama by Paul Donnely – An exploration of loss and suicide, and the devastating impact on a gay couple’s marriage.
A Declaration of Independence A comedy by Dan Maurer – As a middle-age wife decides she wants to become an influencer, her husband is left flaberghasted.
The Unknowns a dramedy by Kacie Michelle- A New York couple in their late thirties finds themselves in a precarious situation after opening the door to strangers.
Intermission
Leo & Rosa a dramedy by Adam Szudrich- Can two lovers who met in Auschwitz reconnect and rekindle their love?
The Mavisville March a dramedy by Karen Devaney – A hilarious and poignant look into the the Women’s Lib movement in small town America.
Click here to purchase tickets for Saturday, May 4th!

Artichoke Festival June 8 - June 9
2024-06-08 11:00 - 2024-06-09 17:00 | Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Rd, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Come stop by Gathering for Women’s table at the Annual Artichoke Festival! Our staff and volunteers would love to tell you all about the activities and opportunities at GFW. We hope to see you there!
The annual Artichoke Festival began in 1959 as a harvest festival to celebrate the iconic artichoke and the region known as the “Artichoke Center of the World.” As a result, the festival became a primary source of funding for local non-profit groups that depend upon a successful event for their viability throughout the years.
General Admission: $20. Additional tickets may need to be purchased for some events.

75th Annual Obon Festival, July 14
2024-07-14 12:00 - 17:00 | Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple, 1155 Noche Buena St., Seaside, CA, 93955, United States
The Buddhist Temple of the Monterey Peninsula hosts the annual Obon Festival Event. Featured at the Festival are Japanese foods, entertainment, ikebana and bonsai exhibits, games for children, and Japanese goods and crafts for sale. Food choices include tempura, sushi, beef teriyaki, udon, and gyoza. Day-long entertainment features martial arts demonstrations, tea ceremony, and Taiko drumming.
Later in the afternoon, the colorful Obon Odori, or community Japanese folk dancing, takes place.
The Obon Festival is a free event, donations accepted.
Parking is available across the street from the Temple.

Obon Festival Event Date
July 14, 2024, Sunday Only
Obon Festival Event Time
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Scheduled
3:00 pm: Shinsho Mugen Daiko (Taiko)
4:00 pm: Bon Odori Dance

Event Parking
Across the street from the Temple
Background of Obon Festival Event
The Obon festival is a Buddhist tradition to celebrate, remember and express gratitude to all family members who have died. The Obon festival has been celebrated in Japan since 657 AD. The first Obon in the United States was held in Hawaii in 1910; festivals on the mainland began about 20 years later.
The first Monterey Obon Festival was held on August 25, 1947 at the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) Hall in Monterey, home to the Temple then. In 1963, the event was moved to the Monterey County Fairgrounds where it was held for 30 years. The Obon Festival returned to the Temple, now in Seaside, in 1993. 3,000 to 5,000 people from across the Monterey Peninsula and beyond attend each year.

Monterey Motor Sports Festival
2024-08-17 08:00 - 17:00 | CA
Get your entry ticket to the Monterey Motor Sports Festival and donate to GFW at the same time! We are offering 3 different levels of entry packages.
Tickets:
1 for $125
2 for $225
4 for $450
Please email Kelli Catey at kelli@gatheringforwomen.org to purchase your tickets today!

Nice! Women's Consignment End of Summer Sale!
2024-08-24 10:00 - 15:00 | Nice! Women’s Consignment, 850 Munras Ave., Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Nice! Women’s Consignment is hosting it’s 2nd Annual end of Summer Sale to benefit GFW! Come shop on Saturday, August 24th 10 AM – 3 PM and 25% of the proceeds from the outdoor sale will benefit Gathering for Women – Monterey!

Annual Craft Fair!
2024-09-01 08:00 - 2024-09-30 17:00 | GFW Day Center, 147 El Dorado St., Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Join us in celebrating the joy and creativity of our lovely guests!
Each year for the month of September, GFW hosts our Annual Craft Fair. All pieces are created by our guests, and the guests get to keep 100% of the proceeds from all items sold. Last year, guests used the money earned from their crafts and art pieces to make car repairs, medical expenses, and other essential needs.
Find your new favorite piece in GFW’s Etsy Shop!

Local Artist Showcase
2024-09-20 17:00 - 19:00 | Venture Gallery, 260 Alvarado St., Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
A group of dedicated local artists are supporting GFW’s mission in an Artist Showcase to be held on September 20th from 5 PM to 7 PM at Venture Gallery in Monterey.
Enjoy wine and appetizers as you browse the art. Proceeds from the sale of these artworks will help fund GFW;s day-to-day operations.
Visit GFW’s Etsy Shop to see items created by our guests as well! All proceeds from Etsy sales go directly to the guests and artists that created them.

Gathering for Women's Anniversary Reception
2024-10-10 17:00 - 19:00 | Taste of Monterey, 700 Cannery Row KK, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
In lieu of our Annual Community Breakfast this year, we are having an Anniversary Reception to celebrate 10 years of service to the homeless and housing-insecure women and families of Monterey County!
Join us in celebrating 10 years with GFW on Thursday, October 10th, 2024, at Taste of Monterey! Come hear about the last 10 years of successes and learn what the next 10 years have in store!
Purchase your tickets here: Buy Tickets!
If you are interested in sponsoring the event, you can Purchase a Sponsorship Package Online or email Kelli Catey at kelli@gatheringforwomen.org for more information.

This event is made possible by our Community Sponsors!
Hope Sponsor:
Montage Health
Advocate Sponsors:
1st Capital Bank
Cannery Row Company
Carmel Gives
Chris Shake Enterprises
Fenton & Keller
IMPOWER, Inc.
Respect Sponsors:
Connally Insurance Agency
Pebble Beach Company Foundation
90.3 KAZU
Carolyn McGurn

Monterey County Gives!
2024-11-14 08:00 - 2025-01-01 00:00 | CA
Go to www.montereycountygives.com/gathering to support GFW’s Big Idea! We want to expand our Next Step Case Management Program to include a full-time Housing Navigator and an additional Case Manager to provide more guests a pathway to a brighter future!
Help us expand our services and service offerings this year so we can continue to improve the lives of homeless and housing insecure women and families in Monterey County.

Lotus Day 2025
2025-04-18 10:00 - 14:00 | GFW Day Center, 147 El Dorado St., Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Join us for our 4th Annual Lotus Day!
Lotus Day is a day of local service providers coming together to provide information and resources to the homeless and housing-insecure women and families of Monterey County. This year, it will be hosted at GFW’s Day Center in Monterey!
What: Lotus Day
Where: 147 El Dorado St., Monterey, CA (GFW Day Center)
When: Friday, April 18, 10 AM – 2 PM
Come meet representatives from:

Gathering for Women
Downtown Streets Team
Mystis Family Services
Monterey County Public Defender

And many more!

Solving Homelessness: A Community Conversation
2025-04-24 14:00 - 16:00 | Irvine Auditorium, 499 Pierce St., Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Celebrate four years of Casa de Noche Buena, the Peninsula’s first shelter to focus primarily on the needs of women and families!
Continuing our series of Community Conversations celebrating Casa de Noche Buena, this year’s event will feature guest speaker Kevin Adler. Drawing from his book “When We Walk By,” Kevin will explore root causes of housing instability and destigmatizing homelessness in our communities.
Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
Time: 2 PM – 4 PM
Location: 499 Pierce St., Monterey, CA 93940 (MIIS, Irvine Auditorium)
Hosted by Gathering for Women and Community Human Services, all proceeds from this event will go to benefit Casa de Noche Buena.
All registrants will be entered into an opportunity drawing for a free copy of Kevin’s book – register today! : https://bit.ly/4jJy5RX

Live Charity Rock Concert for Gathering for Women
2025-07-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Monterey Marriott, 350 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Gathering for Women (“GFW”) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization founded by a remarkable group of volunteers. These early champions dedicated themselves to providing essential services to homeless women in our community.
From the beginning, their mission has been to create a warm, welcoming space where women are treated with dignity and offered hope for a brighter future. Your tax-deductible ticket purchase will help expand GFW’s vital services.

Click here to purchase tickets!
We invite you to be part of this great cause by joining us for an unforgettable evening of music and hope at the Monterey Marriott in Monterey, California.
This in person event on July 27, 2025 has limited capacity; is guaranteed to sell out and promises to be a memorable experience for music enthusiasts.
Get ready to groove with an electrifying performance by an all-star group of international touring musicians who have generously donated their talent to perform together in a once in a lifetime event, led by John Nymann and his personal friends.
Show lineup: John Nymann – Guitar/ Vocals – Y&T Eric Martin – Guitar/ Vocals – EMB, Mr. Big; Mike Vanderhule – Drums – Y&T Brad Lang – Bass – Bullet Boys/ Y&T Eric Barnett – Guitar – Points North; Stu Reynolds – Saxophone – Stu Reynold Saxtet/Latin Jazz Collective; and the ladies of the evening, Elena Keating, Vocalist and Pamela Arthur, Vocals/Keyboards.
Beverages and light food will be available for purchase during the show at the concert venue.
As a special added promotion, present your event ticket, and you will be entitled to a 20% discount on your dine-in experience at the Marriott’s Fin & Field Restaurant. This promotion is only available on the day of the show.
Purchase your tickets today!

6th Annual Art & Craft Fair
2025-09-01 08:00 - 2025-09-30 17:00 | CA
Join us for our 6th Annual Art & Craft Fair!
Each year, GFW hosts an Art & Craft Fair for the month of September featuring works from our guests, and pieces donated by local, professional artists. Our guests get 100% of the proceeds from their artwork or crafts sold, and GFW uses proceeds from the local artists to support daily operations of the Day Center.
If you want to support GFW and our guests, you can find all works for sale on our Etsy Shop.
If you want to shop in-person, This year’s Kickoff event is on Saturday, September 6th at Venture Gallery in Monterey. Stop by from 4-7 PM for food, fun, and free drinks as you peruse the pieces.
GFW’s 6th Annual Art & Craft Fair will be available online for the entire month of September, but don’t wait! Find your next favorite artwork now at Etsy.com/shop/GatheringForWomen!

Art & Craft Fair Kickoff Event
2025-09-06 16:00 - 19:00 | CA
Join us for our 6th Annual Art & Craft Fair!
The kickoff event is being held on Saturday, September 6th at Venture Gallery in Monterey. Stop by from 4-7 PM for wine, appetizers, and your next favorite artwork!
The 6th Annual Art & Craft Fair will feature artwork and crafts created by GFW’s guests, as well as pieces donated by local, professional artists. Our guests get 100% of the proceeds from their artwork or crafts sold, and GFW uses proceeds from the local artists to support daily operations of the Day Center.
Come support GFW and our guests and find your next masterpiece!

Baking Class
2025-09-28 13:00 - 16:00 | Monterey Peninsula Adventist Church, 375 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
The Monterey Peninsula Adventist Church is hosting a Russian Specialty Desserts Baking Class with all proceeds going to benefit GFW! Taught by a member of the church raised in Venezuela with Serbian heritage, this class is sure to step up your Christmas Cookie game!

Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Time: 1 PM – 4 PM
Location: 375 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove, 93950

Admission fees collected upon entry to event.
Hope to see you there!

GFW's 2025 Annual Community Breakfast
2025-10-10 07:00 - 08:30 | Monterey Marriott, 350 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Join us for Gathering for Women’s Annual Community Breakfast! Tickets are on sale now, so click here to reserve your spot!
Date: Friday, October 10, 2025
Time: 7:30 – 8:30 AM (Doors open at 7:00 AM)
Location: Monterey Marriot, Ferrante’s Bay View Room
Gathering for Women – Monterey (GFW) will hold our annual signature event, our Community Breakfast, in the Ferrante’s Bay View Room at the Monterey Marriot on Friday, October 10, 2025. GFW’s Community Breakfast brings together leaders in the business community to learn about our work serving the most vulnerable in our community – homeless and housing-insecure women.

This year we are discussing “Filling Our Cups: How to Move Beyond Self-Care to Community Care”. Hosted by Cecilia “Ceci” Romero, Vice President of Philanthropic Services at the Community Foundation for Monterey County, this is an event you will not want to miss. Join us for an exciting morning of networking and connecting over the shared support of GFW’s mission – supporting homeless and housing-insecure women with vital resources and a caring community. We hope to see you there!

Get your tickets today!

Monterey County Gives!
2025-11-13 - 2025-12-31 | GFW Day Center, 147 El Dorado St., Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
It’s time for Monterey County Gives! This year, our MC Gives campaign is focusing on Rising to the Occasion: Meeting the Newly Increased Needs of our County.
GFW has seen a 25% increase in our daily attendance this year, and our basic services like showers, clothing, and toiletry items have all increased the same. Most shockingly, our meals have increased by over 60% this year! We are proud to be a source of support for our community as more and more people find they must choose between food and rent – but we need your help to keep up with these needs!
CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT GFW
Your support this year means more than ever before. With federal funding cuts putting many nonprofits in limbo, it’s private donations that are keeping GFW going. While our vital case managers and housing navigators are supported by state and federal funding, those potential losses are made up through the kindness and generosity of our community support. The GFW Team is thankful for each and every one of our supporters – past, present, and future – for getting us started, keeping us going, and now supporting us through these times of uncertainty. We could not do it without you!

If you want to show your support for GFW’s Big Idea, you can find us at our MC Gives page! Looking for ways to make your donation go further? Trying to get a last-minute donation in for a tax deduction? Been thinking about donating but just haven’t yet? Look no further! Each year, the MC Gives Match allows your dollar to go further, by providing a matching donation to the nonprofit of your choice. That means for every dollar you donate, the organization gets your donation + a matching donation! It’s two for the price of one!
For more information on GFW, MC Gives, or other resources in our community, you can learn more on GFW’s Blog, follow GFW on our Facebook or Instagram pages, or join our newsletter as we update you with more resources and information. Help spread the word and raise awareness for your favorite local nonprofits, and join Monterey County through the MC Gives campaign from now through December 31, 2025!

Shop & Sip - HOTWORX x Hudson James Collab!
2025-11-21 11:00 - 16:00 | Franklin St. Collaborative, 201 W. Franklin St., Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Join HOTWORX at Hudson James for a Shop & Sip Donation Drive to support Gathering for Women!
What: A donation Shop & Sip event collecting clothing, shoes, and hats for all sizes and ages. Also accepting Bags, scarves, blankets, and other warm winter accessories to be donated to Gathering for Women!
When: November 21; 11 AM – 4 PM
Where: Hudson James, 201 W. Franklin St. Monterey, CA 93940
Each donation grants an entry into a sweepstakes for a HOTWORX & Hudson James Gift Basket!
HOTWORX Seaside offers a powerful, time-efficient fitness experience for the vibrant Seaside, Marina, and Monterey communities. Conveniently located in the brand-new Seagrove apartment complex at the corner of Broadway Avenue and Fremont Avenue next to the Seaside Post Office, our studio provides 24-hour access to patented infrared sauna workouts that help you train smarter and recover faster.
The Franklin Street Collaborative is a multipurpose space including Stacia Nicole Beauty, Hudson James California, & Locals Market Place.
Join us in celebrating this space and this community while giving back to your favorite nonprofit!

Holiday Gift Wrapping
2025-12-06 11:00 - 16:00, 2025-12-20 11:00 - 16:00 | Northridge Mall, 796 Northridge Drive, Salinas, CA, 93906, United States
Let us add a touch of magic to your gifts with beautiful bows, festive paper, and creative flair! Donations from gift wrapping directly supports GFW!
Date: December 6th & 20th
Time: 11 AM – 4 PM
Location: Northridge Mall, 796 Northridge Dr., Salinas, CA 93906
Find us near the Cinnabon!

The Child Within Screening
2026-01-30 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-01-31 19:00 - 20:30 | Lighthouse Cinema & Event Center, 525 Lighthouse Blvd., Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Join us for a special screening of Daniel Troia’s latest film, The Child Within, on January 30th and 31st at the Lighthouse Movie Theater in Pacific Grove! The movie explores the idea of how modern day life can suppress the voice of our inner child, and what we can do to reconnect with our younger self.

Determined to reignite his child-like curiosity and wonder, Troia embarks on a treasure hunt across Italy and the Swiss Alps, searching for the “Wise Man” who lives at the Top of the Sky. This playful, adventurous movie has received numerous awards at film festivals across the globe including “Best Inspirational Film” at the Los Angeles Film Awards, and “Best Travel Film” at the London Indie Film Festival. Click here to get your tickets today!

Date: January 30th & 31st
Time: 7 PM
Location: Lighthouse Movie Theatre, Pacific Grove, CA 93940
Tickets: $15 Click here to purchase
GFW is pleased to announce that 100% of ticket sales will be donated to Gathering for Women, courtesy of the filmmaker, Danial Troia. Daniel will be in attendance and holding a Q&A after the movie, so stop by, meet the maker, and support GFW!

Souper Saturday
2026-02-07 11:00 - 17:00 | Shuman HeartHouse, 300 E. Franklin St., Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Enjoy award-winning clam chowder from Old Fisherman’s Grotto & The Fish Hopper while supporting Shuman HeartHouse and Casa de Noche Buena.
Souper Saturday | Saturday, February 7, 2026 | Shuman Heart House, Monterey
Brought to you by Gathering for Women and Community Human Services to benefit the Monterey Peninsula’s only shelters for women and families experiencing homelessness. Order your meal here!

Takeout meal includes clam chowder, sourdough bread, packaged salad & dessert.
16 oz. $40 Feeds 1 – 2
32 oz. $75 Feeds 2 – 4
Click here to pre-order by Friday, January 30!
Select pick-up window between 11 am – 5 pm.
Drive-through pick-up at Shuman HeartHouse Feb. 7.
Enter at 300 E. Franklin St. & exit on Anthony.

International Women's Day Celebration
2026-03-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Monterey Peninsula College, 980 Fremont St., Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Join us for a free event celebrating International Women’s Day! Hosted by the Monterey County Commission on the Status of Women and Monterey Peninsula College.

831 Cares Night & Teddy Bear Toss!
2026-04-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Cardinale Stadium, 4111 2nd Ave., Seaside, CA, 93955, United States
It’s two for the price of one! Join us for the Teddy Bear Toss at Monterey Bay FC vs. San Antonio FC and donate a teddy bear or stuffed animal to children supported through Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services and your ticket price is donated to GFW! Supporting two amazing causes in one night!
What: Monterey Bay FC vs. San Antonio FC
When: April 4, 2026, 7:00 PM
Where: Cardinale Stadium
Tickets: $27 each – CLICK HERE to purchase
Scan the QR Code on the flyer or CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets to support GFW and Jacob’s Heart at the same time, and don’t forget to stop by and say hi at our table prior to the game – we love to connect with our incredible supporters!
