Turning a Tragedy into Something Inspiring -- Baltimore Party in the Park and the Nikki Perlow Foundation

Driving to pick up my son each day, I have been seeing signs galore for the "Baltimore Party in the Park" this Sunday the 10th from 11-5. I have to admit my interest was piqued, and this evening I finally got the chance to look at the website for this party.

What I discovered was something remarkable.

The Nikki Perlow Foundation was founded to celebrate the life of an almost 22 year old young woman who died of an accidental overdose one month shy of her 22nd birthday in 2007. She had been struggling with sobriety after dabbling in drugs as a teenager, had been in multiple rehab facilities, and sober for 15 months when she dove back in and then overdosed.

Rather than wallow, the family created this foundation to help others in the same position as they had been in. They offer financial, emotional, and placement aid to families struggling with the disease of addiction.

The Party in the Park is a day to celebrate, to bring families in the Timonium and Cockeysville communities together for a day of music (including the incredibly popular kids bank, MILKSHAKE!), games (moonbounce!), facepainting, and fun.

To take something so tragic, and turn it into something so good for a community is uplifting. The Perlow family is one I now admire, and look forward to meeting.

So if you are out in the Baltimore County area on Saturday, stop by from 11-5. I am certain you will be glad you did.