How do you know an organization is well loved? Come to its birthday party and talk to the people who know it best. September 22 was a special day in Puente’s history. It was Puente’s 15th anniversary celebration, held at Echo Valley Farm in Loma Mar. And fittingly, it was attended by Puente’s entire extended family, past and present. Among the revelers who raised a glass of home-brewed iced tea that day were the people who gave birth to Puente and witnessed its first steps; those who coaxed it through its growth milestones and transitions; and the many staff members, donors, volunteers, and event sponsors who oversee its confident adulthood. “It’s shocking to my system,” said Puente founder Rev. Wendy Taylor, surveying the crowd of celebrants sitting at linen-draped tables on a grassy lawn. It seemed like yesterday, she said, that she and the men who went on to form La Sala sat on the steps of the Pescadero Community Church, talking about their lives. “To have this many employees, this many programs and this many precious services in the community – praise be to God,” she exclaimed. The Rev. Taylor was an honored guest at the anniversary party, which featured a delicious gourmet meal prepared fresh, and served, by impeccably dressed student members of Puente’s Edible After-School program. Dragonflies … Continue reading Puente celebrates a very big birthday with an even bigger party