Today I went to the Arthritis Foundation Open House at the Karl Strauss Brewery in downtown Los Angeles. I was so impressed with the genuine warm welcome and the dedication of everyone there. The turnout was also very impressive.
About sixty people joined together to learn about all the activities that the Arthritis Foundation sponsors. Shannon greeted me as soon as I entered. I didn’t even have to introduce myself; she intuitively knew who I was. I guess from our telephone conversation earlier in the week. She introduced me to Amanda and Jess who were also very gracious and warm-hearted. I felt very accepted. I didn’t experience the awkward “How do I make conversation?” when I go to events like this. Everyone was so natural and accepting, all working towards one great goal – to find a cure for arthritis.
After a casual meet and greet complemented with an array of delectable appetizers, Phil and Dennis gave the group an overview of all the events planned for 2020. They explained everything; events like the Walk to Cure Arthritis, the Jingle Bell Run, and the California Coast Classic, a 525-mile bike event that begins in San Francisco and ends in Pacific Palisades. There were also other ways to get involved. Advocates for the Arthritis Foundation work with state and federal lawmakers on policy issues that affect those living and coping with arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation will also provide me with a number of tools and resources for my exercise class that I teach every Friday at ONEgeneration in Reseda. It’s great to have a cause with a group of dedicated people eager to support what I do!
