After a difficult year marred by a pandemic, filled with political acrimony, and creating a uncertain future for the world, it would seem about the right time for something unifying and uplifting.
That’s where Cheshire’s Lights of Hope comes in.
One of the town’s most popular annual events kicks off this weekend, hoping not only to bring people together during a trying time, but also lend a hand to many local charities struggling to stay afloat due to the global pandemic. For them, Lights of Hope might be the saving grace they require at the moment.
“We are a unique charity,” explained Don Walsh, Lights of Hope’s co-president. “We give to other charities, so when places like the (Cheshire) Food Pantry need help, they look to us.”
Cheshire’s Lights of Hope organization has raised over $1 million for local charities, including the Pantry, the American Cancer Society, and the Petit Family Foundation, among others. Their major luminary event will be held Saturday, Nov. 14.
The organization, which originally started as a neighborhood fundraiser, has gained immense popularity and is celebrated townwide, with luminary bags lining the streets as a symbol of hope and unity for the town.
“We’ve been doing this for a while now, but every year has its issues,” said Walsh. “We weren’t sure we would be able to do something this year because of the pandemic.”
Wash’s wife Jenifer, and the rest of the LOH Executive team, was able to set up online sales for luminary bags for the first time for the first time this year, allowing residents to participate in the event contact-free.
“We all wear masks all the time. We have utilized the online sales, which was difficult at times, but we have adjusted to what 2020 has thrown at us,” Walsh said.
Edmonde Bernier, who is in charge of gathering volunteers to help put together luminary bags and line them along the streets during the event, mentioned how the local students he has recruited to be a part of the event have been more excited than ever to get involved.
“The kids are really stepping up and they know how important this is to the community,” he said. “Especially in a year like this, they are excited to be doing something that feels relatively normal.”
Lights of Hope assembles the luminary bags every year in a warehouse provided to them by the owner of PAWS Pet Resort, Joe Whitright.
“It's a fantastic cause and they do so much for the community. It's the least I can do for them,” said Whitright.
For the Walsh family, Cheshire’s LOH has always represented the enduring spirit of Cheshire and its residents, and this year residents might need that reminder.
“Cheshire people need Lights of Hope right now more than ever,” Jenifer said. “We represent hope and that’s the message we want everyone to put out to everyone. That we are a united town and we stand together.”
Lights of Hope will kick off on the green in front of First Congregational Church, 111 Church Dr., at 2 p.m. with a check presentation ceremony. Then, the Mile-of-Hope set-up will begin promptly at 2:30 p.m. Lumiaries will be lit at dusk.
"light" - Google News
November 09, 2020 at 08:57PM
https://ift.tt/2JOR15j
Organizers Hoping Annual Event Can Light Up Cheshire - Cheshire Herald
"light" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2Wm8QLw
https://ift.tt/2Stbv5k
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Organizers Hoping Annual Event Can Light Up Cheshire - Cheshire Herald"
Post a Comment