Disaster Preparedness in the Making: Two Marry After Meeting as Volunteers for Acacia Creek and Masonic Homes

SAN FRANCISCO, June 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In the late evening of May 1, 2011, after working on emergency preparedness classes, Larry Sadler, Masonic Home resident, popped the question and asked Donna Philpott, Acacia Creek resident, if she would accept an engagement ring. She said, "Yes!"

Only an emergency could tear them apart. "We would separate, go to our communities, and be in touch with radios. We would act accordingly, certain of each other's welfare, then others'. We would act out what we preached in the training classes we put on for team members."

The two tried to keep their wedding plans a secret, but word got out. With only a week to plan, excited staff from both communities rolled up their sleeves and got busy with preparations – invitations, decorations, a bridal bouquet, refreshments, wedding cake, and photographers.

On Friday, May 20, at 2:00 p.m., 261 residents and staff attended the personalized ceremony at the Masonic Home in Union City, just southeast of San Francisco. The Acacia Creek Marketing Department held a private reception before the wedding. Jeffrey Dillon, interim executive director/administrator of Acacia Creek, decorated and drove the departure car, painted "Just Married".

"We were overwhelmed, flattered, and very humbled by the support of our friends at the Masonic Home and Acacia Creek. There's no place that we'd rather be. We are truly thankful," the couple said. If they were given any wish, they both agreed that they would want to always remain as happy as on their wedding day.

"We have a lot in common – our background in Ham radio, emergency services, and our ability to think along the same lines; we found ourselves laughing together. We enjoy plays and music and we're still laughing at life," Larry says.

Donna quipped, "He always makes me laugh, is patient in explaining things to me, and was a good nurse during my eye surgery and recovery. We share the same passion for teaching and sharing with others."

The Masonic Home is a Masonic Senior Care Community. Acacia Creek is a continuing care retirement community, open to Masons and non Masons 55+ years. www.acaciacreek.org

SOURCE Acacia Creek