<p>To My SFVAA Convention Family, Friends and Guests,</p>

<p>Welcome to the 48th Annual San Fernando Valley Alcoholics Anonymous Convention!</p>

<p>Our theme this year is "Let Go & Let God". As I sit and reflect on my path that brought me to this fellowship, I am reminded of the bondage and torment that enslaved my every thought and action, and the wake of destruction that followed. I was powerless over alcohol. My life had become unmanageable. I could not control and enjoy anything in my life. Then I made the simple, yet most difficult decision of my life. I waived the white flag and surrendered to the God of my own understanding and the idea that I am not Him. The peace and serenity I get when I simply "Let Go & Let God" is indescribable. I have found that I can enjoy my life when I give up the illusion of control over it, and I wish everyone the same experience of peace and serenity that I have.</p>

<p>I first attended the SFVAA Convention in 2015 with 10 months of sobriety and was absolutely changed by my experience. Just seeing 3000+ alcoholics happy, joyous and free in one place with one purpose brought tears to my eyes. I watched "Bill W."" and learned the history of AA in the Archives room, made new friends and fellowshipped over coffee in Hospitality, grew my AA family in the Marathon Meetings, got inspiration and hope from the Longtimers Meeting, felt the love and support at the Banquet, and understood our purpose during the sobriety countdown at the Spiritual Breakfast. This was something I had to be a part of, so I joined the committee the next year.</p>

<p>Please join me in recognizing the time, effort, energy, sacrifice and commitment it takes to make this convention happen, and to thank the people who do this for fun and for free. I would especially like to thank the 2024 SFVAA Convention Planning Committee, Spanish AA, Alanon, Alateen, Spanish Alanon, YPAA, and everyone else who has been of service this year.</p>

<p>I sincerely hope you enjoy your weekend, and I look forward to seeing your smiling faces.</p>

<p>Let Go &amp; Let God</p>

<p>Kevin B.</p>

<p>2024 SFVAAC Chair</p>