The Pay-It-Forward House had a bigger turnout than expected at its three-year anniversary celebration Sunday.

The Pay-It-Forward House, 719 Somonauk St., in Sycamore, hosted its Third Year Birthday Celebration in honor of providing hospitality to friends and family of Kindred Hospital patients.

The event lasted from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., and nearly 40 people attended the celebration, said Joyce Mathey, the Pay-It-Forward House Board President.

“We had a great turnout,” Mathey said. “We had several dignitaries join us and two very special guests: A mother and her daughter, who are currently staying with us at the house while their loved one is in Kindred Hospital, joined us for the celebration.”

Mathey also said that several officials were in attendance at the celebration, including Sycamore Mayor Ken Mundy and State Representative Bob Pritchard.

“Many of our current volunteers attended, as well as some visitors who may become volunteers in the future,” she said.

According to the press release regarding the three-year celebration, the Pay-It-Forward House is a hospitality house located next to the Kindred Hospital. The Pay-It-Forward House provides daytime respite and overnight accommodations to friends and family of patients receiving medical treatment at Kindred Hospital.

At the anniversary celebration, finger sandwiches, hot tea and birthday cake were served.

“The reaction from everyone was wonderful, with many words of encouragement and support,” Mathey said. “It was another gratifying event.”