Several years ago, I met with Reverend Danell Wheeler from Common Ground Corona. She wanted to do something for Peppermint Ridge. From this meeting, the monthly birthday celebrations were born. For well over three years, Danell, Jean, Karen, Trina, Terri and several others from the Common Ground Interfaith Spiritual Center threw a party for the Ridgers every third Friday of the month. We danced, played bingo, ate wonderful food and had an amazing time with wonderful friends. Volunteer Trina created beautiful handmade birthday cards for each Ridger celebrating a birthday that month. The birthday celebrations were looked forward to by all!
As often happens, Danell became stretched thin with the demands of running Common Ground. Volunteers were unable to commit as the day to day challenges of their own lives became more pressing . We were facing the heart breaking possibility of discontinuing our Monthly parties.
And as often happens, God stepped in. At the same time, we were contacted by Saddleback church. They were looking for a way to serve. We had just the opportunity for them! Common Ground sadly hosted their last birthday celebration in December 2010- and without missing a beat, Saddleback Church picked up the reins and hosted their first monthly birthday celebration in January 2011. They put their own spin on it, while keeping the feel and flavor of the celebrations alive. These parties are all about celebrating our fabulous Ridgers and enjoying the company of our wonderful friends.
I am so grateful to Common Ground (who are still very active with Peppermint Ridge) and Saddleback Church for starting and continuing our parties! We couldn't do it without our community! We are all truly "on Common Ground."
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