Patty Elliott
Food and diaper drives are quite common in our community as folks from the greater SaddleBrooke area share their resources with those who are less fortunate. Often, however, the food bank shelves dedicated to babies and young children are empty. Formula and beginning foods are not often donated to Impact, our local area food bank.
What began as an annual tradition when John and Sue Birky and Joe and Lauchette Low lived in Ohio followed them to SaddleBrooke. For at least 15 years a party recognizing the need of young children and babies has been held in December at the home of John and Sue Birky.
This year close to 200 ladies enjoyed Wine, Cheese and Chatter on Friday afternoon December 8 at the Birky’s home. Each guest brought food, diapers or monetary donations for IMPACT.
Since this large of a group of ladies could have created a huge traffic jam on Emerald Ridge, Lauchette gathered a group of Santa’s Helpers to provide golf cart chauffer service. The helpers included Tom Larkin, Gene Elliott, Steve Harsch, Bud Dunn and Stan Hustad.
John rounded up a group of special elves including Ron Kari, Bob Hansen, Win Brabson and Woody Thompson to serve wine, special punch and sparkling ciders to the guests.
For the fourth year women from Resurrection Church at SaddleBrooke helped with the event. Providing food and hostess duties were Kelly Rospond, Liz Baty, Opal Larkin, Karen Hustad, Sharon Dunn, Judy Stanard, Marty Harsch, Cindy Hansen, Bonnie Thomas and Patty Elliott. Throughout the afternoon our guests enjoyed many varieties of appetizers and desserts along with cheerful conversations.
Once again this tradition of an annual party to support the special dietary needs of young babies and children proved a great success. More than $5,000 and a van filled with food items and baby diapers were delivered to IMPACT in Catalina.
Thanks to Wine, Cheese and Chatter a very special Christmas spirit filled with joy and generosity helped stock the shelves at IMPACT earmarked for babies and young children.
Resurrection at SaddleBrooke welcomes you to join our Sunday services at either 8:30 or 10:00 a.m. in the ballroom at HOA One. Our ladies group, Soul Sisters, meets the third Friday of each month for a luncheon at HOA One. You are welcome.