Honorable citizens to be singled out

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 three nice things for strangers and then asks in return that they do three nice things for others as 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 nonprofit event I call "Thankful Celebrations: A VictorianStyle Gratitude Tea." Again, the goal of this is to simply encourage the giving of gratitude.

I'm just a resident of Newbury Park, not a business owner. This is my way of trying to give back. Proceeds will go toward providing recognition to nonprofit organizations here in Conejo Valley. The tea will be held at Caffe Aroma in Newbury Park on Sat., Dec. 29 at 12:30 p.m.

Reservations must be made by Dec. 16 at either Caffe Aroma, 2130a Newbury Road, or by calling me at (805) 375-7246. 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 Conejo Valley the great place it is. Brenda Cochran Tea and Gratitude Newbury Park