CARLSBAD, Calif. — Please note that this story contains details about suicide.
An 82-year-old woman in Carlsbad is dedicating her life telling people "Who they are makes a difference". In this Zevely Zone, I met Grandma Sparky.
At CBS 8 when we wear our blue t-shirts, we signify that we are 'Working for You'. The shirts just happen to tie in nicely with Grandma Sparky's Blue Ribbons. You may have never heard of Helice Bridges, but perhaps you have heard of Grandma Sparky.
"I am always smiling," said Grandma Sparky.
That wasn't always the case. After a troubled marriage in 1979, Helice wanted to end her life.
"I get all dressed up in my prettiest dress and I knew I was going to drive my new Mercedes off the cliff and that was going to be it then I just fell to the floor, and I just curled up in a fetal position and I started crying and screaming to the heavens stop the world I got to get off," said Grandma Sparky.
She changed her mind when she says a voice told her she was destined to do great things. Grandma Sparky was born. She created the non-profit Blue Ribbons Worldwide that honors people with a ribbon that read, "Who I am Makes a Difference".
"When we get depressed, we just go BING isn't that cool?" said Grandma Sparky.
She estimates her movement has reached 50 million people and the 'Thank You' letters she receives say it all.
"When I got a Blue Ribbon I felt happy and appreciated because no one ever compliments my smile," she read.
Grandma Sparky developed the 'Who I Am Makes A Difference®' Blue Ribbon Ceremony, a 7-step process that facilitates the expression of gratitude and appreciation among individuals. This transformative ceremony, taking less than 60 seconds to conduct, has not only saved lives, and ended bullying, but it has also empowered countless individuals to realize their dreams. With its far-reaching impact, Grandma Sparky's Blue Ribbon message has resonated with people across the globe and has been translated into 12 languages.
After one ribbon prevented a boy from committing suicide, the story was shared by Jack Canfield, Co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul.
"You ask me how come I am smiling? Who wouldn't?" said Grandma Sparky.
It was out of the blue that this happened. Grandma Sparky said to me, "Would you accept this gift from me? May have permission to place it on you? It goes above your heart. It goes up toward all your greatest dreams coming true, the tradition is I take the spark from the heart put it in the cheerleaders of the ribbon. It is the sound that makes dreams come true and the sound is in a 1,2,3, BING!! Every time you hear a bing you will know that a child within us just got our dream because we are pointing to what is working instead of what isn't building people up instead of putting them down."
Some people just have that special spark.
"It's a shock when someone comes up to you and tells you that you matter," said Grandma Sparky. She plans to unite a billion people one Blue Ribbon at a time. "Every time you hear a bing you'll know child just got their dream," said Grandma Sparky.
Blue Ribbons Worldwide, is a nonprofit educational organization, 501c3, that has always seen young people as inspiring, innovative, and a bit bored. But, when given the right tools, effective training, and the opportunity to make their world better, teens eagerly jump at the chance.
Grandma Sparky wants us all to witness the dawn of a new era in community mental health as San Diego's teens join forces with the 82-year-old.
Grandma Sparky is hosting a free event on April 7th. Her Blue Ribbon celebration aims to improve the mental health of 50,000 San Diego children. The event takes place on April 7 from 1 p.m. -3 p.m. at the Vision Center for Spiritual Living at 4780 Mission Gorge Place, San Diego.
For more information contact Grandma Sparky at Sparky@BlueRibbons.org or calling 760-687-5957 or by clicking here.
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