Fort Mitchell, Kentucky. She sensed something.
Judi Gerding suspected that today would be fantastic. It was her birthday, so why not?Judi Gerding, the founder and president of The Point/Arc, celebrates his 85th birthday on Wednesday, August 6.
I knew it was my birthday, she continued, but I knew it would be particularly memorable when I discovered a penny in the parking lot on my way to work.
Gerding might be referred to as Extra Special.
In 1972, a 32-year-old lady called Judi Gerding embarked on a personal quest to improve the lives of her son Steve and other people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or I/DD.Early on, Steve received a diagnosis of Rubinstein-Taybu Syndrome.
In an effort to support their loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), three parents banded together to start an advocacy group. That club has since grown into a comprehensive organization offering a variety of 24-hour programs.
In 1995, The Point/Arc opened its first group home. At the moment, The Point owns and manages 18 immaculate homes in communities with close to 80 inhabitants.
The first assisted living facility in the Commonwealth of Kentucky has begun construction in Boone County.
Boone, Kenton, and Campbell Counties are home to the group homes.
According to Gerding, she has been having a lot of luck lately. She said a man brought a $150,000 contribution into my office on Friday. Each day is a present.
Hilltop Concrete has volunteered to help build the new assisted living facility close to Burlington, Kentucky.
Staff and friends gathered at Gerding’s favorite hangout, Snappy Tomato Pizza (485 Orphanage Road, Fort Mitchell), to celebrate birthday number 85. Gerding jokingly said, “Instead of cake, we had pizza.” However, I was able to enjoy with my colleagues the best gift of all. That is really important to me.
Perhaps the reason for the absence of cake was that Jill (Disken), the Point/Arc’s Events Coordinator’s daughter, was unable to lug up 85 candles at the last minute.
However, Judi Gerding still believes it was a good day, so much so that she is going to the Hard Rock Casino tonight for her once-a-year visit.
To be continued.
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