Sept. 28: 4th Annual Hands Across
Santa Paula to honor ‘Quiet Heroes’

The fourth annual community gathering centered on kindness will be held Sunday, September 28 this year “Honoring Quiet Heroes” - and that includes many people according to Hands Across Santa Paula Remembering the Spirit of Kindness Founder Beverly Samantha “Sammi” Frady.

The multifaceted gathering will be held at 3 at Veterans Park and feature artwork, music, and short speeches about those Quiet Heroes being honored.

“This is an event about kindness, children, animals and many of the wonderful volunteers in our city,” said Frady.

“This year I am honoring those who give of their time, gifts and talents in helping others. Having been a volunteer myself for so many years I can tell you nobody does it to be thanked, and many of these people to be honored would never even agree to be thanked.

“Kindness and smiles are contagious... ever try to not return a smile given? Even though we may not know that person, or know why we are doing it,” Frady said, “we always find ourselves smiling back. 

“When someone does something nice for you, you usually reply with a thank you. This year’s event honors people who volunteer, who go that extra mile in helping others and doing it all very quietly. You will never hear any of the ‘Quiet Heroes’ we are honoring say very much about what they do, they just do it.”

And this year, said Frady, “I would like to repay that kindness, love and respect, and often the hard work described as a labor of love, by offering them a huge thank you for all they do.”

The event will feature its traditional elementary school art and wishes contest this year featuring about 900 displays that will decorate Veterans Park. Glen City, Mupu, Briggs and Olivelands students are participating creating art and at a times poignant wishes ranging from world peace to a parent finding work. Frady is urging parents to bring their cameras to photograph their child with their art display.

Pastor Jenny Crosswhite will offer the opening prayer and Hector Sanchez will lead the crowd in singing The National Anthem; speakers include Supervisor Kathy Long (who will give certificates for all student participants), Councilman Martin Hernandez and SPPD Reserve Lt. Brad Tallent.