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In honor of CARH Founder and Volunteer, Barbara Guidotti, a surprise dinner and birthday party was held on July 5th, at the Willow Park Event Center in Castro Valley. Barbara was fooled in thinking that she was just going to dinner to celebrate her birthday with a couple of close friends. Little did she know that CARH’s staff, board members, family and friends were waiting for her arrival. When Barbara entered the room over 80 guests simultaneously shouted out “Surprise” and started to sing “Happy Birthday”! Barbara was definitely surprised! She has always been modest about being the founder of CARH and has shunned any attention. The event gave all of us who know and love her an opportunity to celebrate her birthday and a chance to honor her for the many years she has dedicated to helping others. In 1972 Barbara and her late husband, Leo Guidotti, founded CARH, Inc. with the inspiration from their severely disabled son, Michael. Leo and Barbara knew first hand that many of his special needs were not being met by governmental or other agencies. They looked to the local community to support their efforts to provide children and adults with intellectual disabilities with life enriching programs and services funded by a household recycling program. They were successful in rousing community support and almost 40 years later CARH continues to make a difference in their lives by providing campership grants, general grants supporting medical and dental needs, and a wide variety of programs and services. Leo and Barbara’s determination helped bridge the gap for our special needs community in a society that sometimes overlooks the needs of those living with disabilities. Giving recognition to Barbara is long overdue. It was a joyous and emotional event. A number of our guests got up to the podium to express their heartfelt thanks to Barbara and CARH for the impact that she has made to their clients and loved ones. Particularly touching was when parent, Michelle Smith and her son, Blake, got up to talk about how CARH has helped her family in so many ways by making sure that Cameron, their severely disabled son/brother got the little extras that he needed to make his life enjoyable. Michelle referred to Barbara as an angel on earth and presented her with an angel figurine. Barbara you truly are an angel and a beautiful and courageous person whose hard work and dedication has touched the lives of everyone you have touched. We wish you many more wonderful Birthdays!