As we make our way through the second half of 2020 and continue on the roller coaster ride of the pandemic, I can only say, we are still here. We are still here.
It’s nature to always look on the bright side. I have quotes placed and pasted all over my office that I read every day.
One of my favorites is by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” I just love that. It reminds me that if I just trust in myself to do my best, things will be okay.
The other day I heard another good one: “Keep going. Just keep going.”
That one really struck me because as the months go by, BAPA’s pandemic rollercoaster is getting a little scary.
BAPA would typically be riding high at this time of year, with our three major community events – Beverly/Morgan Park Home Tour, Ridge Run & Memorial Day Parade, and Beverly Hills Cycling Classic/Bikes and Brews Festival – successful completed. This year, coronavirus response regulations forced us to cancel all three.
BAPA’s annual events provide a full circle support. They bring our neighbors together which builds community spirit and pride and they also generate funding BAPA needs to support and serve the community for the rest of the year.
The money raised at our events fuels BAPA’s programs that support local businesses, beautify our community, strengthen our safety efforts, showcase our housing and support our amazing schools and parks.
Despite this crippling loss of revenue, the BAPA staff has produced important new initiatives to help our neighbors through the rollercoasters that have affected their families, their businesses, their health and their wellbeing. (You can read about and see photos from these programs on pages 12 and 13.)
But now, BAPA needs your help.
Because we have not been able to raise funds through our events, our resources are tapped.
Just like supporting your favorite local restaurant or retailer, I hope you will support your local community organization, BAPA. BAPA has been serving our community for over 70 years and are looking forward to serving you for another 70. Please use the envelope in this issue of The Villager or go to bapa.org to give. Your money will go right back into the community.
Thank you to the families and businesses who have already given generously. We are still here because of you.
Hopefully, we can look back at 2020 from a better place and say that we are stronger because of what we went through. Let’s all just keep going.
