LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited 2016
an Ultimate Day of Hope
On November 5, LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited once again brought education and awareness to the communities regarding issues faced by those vulnerable to poverty, hunger and homelessness.
Thanks to Matthew Simons and Simons Electronics, we were able to see the impact LIGHTFEST had made worldwide on November 5, as he displayed the 2016 Locator Map on a large screen for all to view at the LIGHTFEST Station held at St. Augustine. Matthew also displayed pictures of activities on the LIGHTFEST Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/lightfestcommunity?ref=h during the event.
There was a group of little ones (looked to be 3 to about 6 years old) standing about half way into the activity area. They were so excited about being on TV. Listening to them had me excited for them. They kept pointing to the screen with their sweet giggles of excitement repeatedly saying, “Did you see that? We are on TV!”
Nurturance in Nature is a cornerstone of We Survive programming. Courtney Ellis brought a nurturing nature lesson to LIGHTFEST as she had participants planting in a small cup and talking about how useful plants are and what they do to give us a healthy life.
One little boy held onto his freshly planted seed with two Popsicle sticks saying, “I will cherish this.” You would have thought that he was holding a pot of gold rather than a cup full of dirt.
Along with educational information from health providers, there were health screenings, chess and checker challenges, a cakewalk, face painting, jewelry making, quilling, lanterns, lighthouses, a embroidered commemorative tapestry and other crafts.
Concluding with the Light of Hope Walk
There was a diverse group of participants including those within the homeless community.
Katrina Bailey, LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited Volunteer stated, “When we lit up our lights for the walk/observation, the happiness, willingness, enthusiasm and vigor the children had in participating was overwhelmingly speechless. They wanted to walk, although they themselves were facing and LIVING in the very circumstance in which we were holding the vigil for: the homeless, hungry and poverty stricken. That was, to me was the ULTIMATE show of love and sacrifice. Deeply touching and humbling.”
A special thanks to all our sponsors and volunteers for making this a very special day for all!
Sponsor-Passport Health Plans
Host—St. Augustine Catholic Church
Volunteers-
ATA College-Nursing Students
Burnett Ave. Baptist Church Youth Group
Courtney Ellis from the Louisville Nature Center
Girl Scout Troop 476
Jacqueline Browning
Jacqueline McMillian-Bohler
Katrina Bailey
Kentucky One Health—Our Lady of Peace
Linda Young
Louisville KY Bikers Guild
Matthew Simons Simons Electric
Marji Pilato
Michelle Dollar
Miguel Walker-The Best Bite
We Survive
Youth Checker/Chess Challengers
Zeta Amica of Louisville Ky
In case we have missed anyone, please know we appreciate your help. To read more about the event and to see pictures go here.
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