Dancing, singing, feasting - these aren't the usual activities identified at Aurora Avenue motels. But this past Saturday afternoon, these were exactly the things that were taking place at the Everspring Inn at 8201 Aurora Ave. The Aurora's Day of Gratitude celebration was organized by active neighborhood residents Lisa Etter Carlson and Karen Cirulli in conjunction with National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.
A host of neighborhood volunteers participated in making the event a success, while neighborhood businesses provided prizes for the raffle - the Everspring Inn, Aurora Grocery, Pro Ski, Precision Tune Auto Care, Paladar Cubano, Chocolati, and last but not least, Beth's Cafe, awarding one lucky winner its infamous 12-egg omelette.
Other event contributors included Greenwood's Upper Crust catering company, the Green Bean, the Freemont Abbey, and Fushion Beads. Event sponsor Awake Church provided the food, while volunteers from Aurora's Freemont Fellowship Hall grilled the hot dogs and burgers.
The cold weather didn't seem to bother the crowd of over 100 Aurora neighbors as they enjoyed the space provided by Everspring owners William and Kathryn Harnecker, the music of local artists Dave and Elizabeth, the art of Dolores, and beading with Ferntree, as well as a jewelry, handmade cards, and garden seed tables. Additionally, volunteers from the Bethany Community Church Food Bank and the Greenwood Senior Center each hosted an info table.
As many homeless guests in attendance at the event sipped hot coffee and apple cider around the small fire pit, enjoyed conversation and live music, and celebrated receiving raffle prizes like warm hats and gloves or a free night at the motel, Everspring Inn co-owner Kathryn Harnecker looked around with a smile on her face and remarked, "We have to do this more often!"
