Give the Gift of Gratitude This Holiday Season.

Many of us recall the touching movie "Pay It Forward" where a young boy's school project was to promote giving by requesting that a person does 3 nice things for strangers and then asks in return that they do 3 nice things for others as well. Well this is my version of that concept, only I wish to thank those have already given of themselves. I wish to encourage the public to express their gratitude to anyone in their lives that has contributed to their life. It could be a loved one, a friend, a neighbor, a co-worker, or a volunteer. These people have already given, so we "pay it forward" by giving them recognition and encouraging our community to continue caring and giving.

I wanted to give the public a forum to express their appreciation to individuals, so I've created a NON-PROFIT event I call "Thankful Celebrations-A Victorian Style Gratitude Tea." Again, the goal of this is to simply encourage the giving of gratitude. I am just a resident of Newbury Park, not a business owner. This is my way of trying to give back. Proceeds will go towards providing recognition to non-profit organizations here in the Conejo Valley. The tea will be held at Caffe Aroma in Newbury Park on Saturday, Dec. 29 th at 12:30 p.m. Reservations must be made by Dec. 16 th at either Caffe Aroma, 2130a Newbury Road or by calling me at (805) 375-7246. Cost is $28 pp. Space is limited.

If someone has touched your life, then consider thanking him or her by giving a marvelous memory of a recognition celebration that says "Thank you for being you!"

I give a heartfelt "thank you" to all individuals and organizations that give of themselves and have helped to make the Conejo Valley the great place it is to live!!

Appreciatively,

Brenda Cochran

Newbury Park, Ca