Inclusion Foothills recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.

They celebrated on Saturday, March 25 at the Highwood Golf and Country Club in High River.

The night's theme was 'An Evening of Heart and Hope'.

Executive Director Orvella Small said the room was filled with both heart and hope.

"It was an evening of pride in the fact that the families that shared their stories were willing to tell them from the heart and put themselves out there to those that were attending the event. And to talk about the work that Inclusion Foothills does in supporting them in their journey."

Two new board members and parents to children with disabilities, Michelle Slomp and Jaime Bolen shared heart-wrenching but incredibly inspiring stories of their families' journeys along with the support from Inclusion Foothills.

Small also said she's looking forward to another 25 years.

"Well, I can't say I'll be there for the next 25 [years] but what I can say is that my hope is that the organization will continue on in their mandate of inclusion for all.  Whether that's in their home, in the community... recreation, work... whatever that is, is that the mandate stays the same about inclusion for all."

There were also acknowledgments given to two staff members who have been in the organization for some time.

Alise Kuipers was recognized for her fifteen years of service and Stephanie Laitre celebrated ten years with the organization.

Certificates of recognition were also handed out to some key community members who have shown their support for them over the last quarter of a century.

Roy Wilkinson, Roger Hamel of CDI International, Dr. Ron Gorshe and Ev Doherty from the Rotary Club of High River, Wayne Wilderman and Erin Niemans of High River Realty, and Kathy Thornhill as past president of Inclusion Foothills.

Heartfelt greetings from Highwood MLA and Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson and Okotoks Mayor Tanya Thorn lead off the night.