These retreats were started in 1972 by John Ratner, a member of AA who wanted to provide a place where those in AA and Al-Anon (especially couples) could go for a spiritual weekend and hear talks, have meetings, share one on one, in a beautiful peaceful setting. He found Presentation Center in the Santa Cruz mountains and the retreats were born. Because John was a travelling salesman, he brought p
eople from all over, and before long, the retreats which started with 20 people once a year, grew to 120 people six times a year, with a waiting list! He found recovering priests and other recovering speakers to lead and do one-on-one counselling. The retreats have continued in the same fashion, but without his dynamic draw, the numbers have slipped down to 3-4 a year. We now invite members of all 12 step programs to attend. When requested, we arrange for additional meetings, such as NA or OA. My father's legacy will continue as long as there is a need, and as long as these retreats fulfill that need.
