2023 LIGHTFEST Tapestry Project

2023 LIGHTFEST Tapestry Project

January 22, 2023 by ·

Written by Sharon Cecil

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LightFest-ReIgnited | Power of the Dream (lightfestreignited.info)

We Survive has served the community since 1994.  In 2023, we will Ignite Hope.

The main source of volunteers for We Survive programming and events came from the Youth Performing Arts School-YPAS/duPont Manual and Scouting –Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.  Many of these young people were part of both entities. 

“There’s a thread that binds all of us together; pull one end of the thread, the strain is felt all down the line.” 

-Rosamond Marshall

2022-23 LIGHTFEST Planning

Sunshine Joe Mallard had offered to do a Commemorative Tapestry for the 25th Anniversary.  So we already had that as part of the 2022 LIGHTFEST Event.

Picture: Sunshine Joe and students at YPAS working on the Commemorative Tapestry

There were several plans.  Due to the residual of the pandemic, many organizations were a little gun shy as the community opened up to the 2022 face to face events.  As plans fell apart several times, it was not a deterrent.  As a matter of fact, it became a motivator.

People who Inspire others to Aspire   

Today, I am introducing you to Prayga Wason and Bryan Crady. You will be hearing more about extraordinary people in the next 7 months.  

In September, 2022, Pragya Wason contacted We Survive wanting to volunteer for Light the World with Hope.  We had numerous brainstorming sessions that led us to her talents.  

Picture (Left to Right): Sunshine Joe, Pragya & Sharon

Pragya has had many volunteer experiences.  Many of these experiences have been as a student at YPAS.  She is a member of Guitar Club and volunteers helping middle schoolers at Noe Middle School learn solo pieces, volunteering at concerts and music events through the Tri-M Music Honors Society, and playing ukulele with kids at Louisville Free Public Library through Out Loud Louisville.  I was taken by Pragya’s ukulele abilities.  There are plans to use her ukulele talents during activities leading up to and including the Tapestry Presentation

Pragya has been the impetus for the upcoming Tapestry Presentation with the coordination of the tapestry outline meeting and the 2022 LIGHTFEST Event -signing of the tapestry- held at YPAS/duPont Manual.  

Pragya’s talents and skills are impressive.  

Bryan Crady  Mr. Crady has served as Assistant Principal at The Youth Performing Arts School since Fall 2008.  He is a trombonist and vocalist.   Mr. Crady has served as choir and music director in churches since 1990 and has performed in many musical productions during his career. He considers each day a privilege and joy to work with students and teachers who share his love for the arts and education.

Picture (Left to Right): JC Reedy, YPAS Volunteer; Sharon Cecil, Executive Director We Survive; Pragya Wason, YPAS Student; Bryan Crady, Assistant Principal, YPAS

I believe that his love for the Arts is what drew him to the idea of the Commemorative Tapestry Project.  He gave us a piece of memorabilia that will be a large part of this Commemorative Tapestry.

Mr. Crady has been supportive of Pragya’s efforts in the coordination of this project.  

2023 LIGHTFEST – Light the World with Hope

There will be a lot of pleasant surprises at the presentation to be held in August 2023. Date TBA

Filed Under: LIGHTFEST, Portrayal of Hope, Uncategorized, Who Inspires You, Works that Inspire Tagged With:
LIGHTFEST & Those to Inspire Others to Aspire

LIGHTFEST & Those to Inspire Others to Aspire

January 8, 2023 by ·

It is the first week of the New Year and LIGHTFEST will be igniting the Flame of Hope from a SPARK in your heart as LIGHTFEST will continue its 25th Anniversary Celebration activities as we Light the World with Hope.

How it all got started
In 1996, Sharon Cecil met Girl Scout Troop 1472. They were working on a project –Growing Up Female. The troop became involved with the pilot program for WOW (WOW – Women Offering Wisdom) that started at Wayside Christian Mission. The girls wanted to use their clowning ministry to help educate about the concepts of the WOW program. These girls were instrumental in creating many of WE SURVIVE’s events including the LIGHTFEST born from the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay held at Churchill Downs in 1997.
LIGHTFEST is a time to come together and bring awareness to the issues accompanied by a sense of hopelessness; some being feelings of entrapment in unresolvable outcomes (ie: hunger and homelessness) with mental and medical challenges.

Recent Themes
We Survive continues to reach out to children and families through various activities and the annual LIGHTFEST event while Realizing The Power of the Dream.

“Deep within each heart

There lies a magic spark

That lights the fire of our imagination…
Feel the flame forever burn

Teaching lessons we must learn

To bring us closer to the power of the dream”

Lyrics from “The Power of the Dream”

LIGHTFEST 2022 – “Hope a Gift of Empowerment” was nontraditional with the creation of a Commemorative Tapestry designed by Sunshine Joe Mallard.  

LIGHTFEST 2023  – “Light the World with Hope” is showcasing youth and what they have done for 25 years through combined efforts with schools and other organizations assisting We Survive and LIGHTFEST to be viable entities as an intricate part of communities worldwide.  
Through a series of stories over the next 7 months, we will be introducing multiple aspects of  volunteers and their contribution to our communities (locally and globally).  We will also be acknowledging those who have mentored and advised these youth through the years.  

People who Inspire others to Aspire Today, I am introducing you to Sunshine Joe Mallard and Stacy Burks. You will be hearing more about these extraordinary people in the next 7 months.  

Sunshine Joe at LIGHTFEST 2019

Sunshine Joe Mallard “Sunshine Joe’s work sparks dialogue and chronicles the hopes and challenges facing our greater community.” ~~ The Carnegie Center for Art and History  

Sunshine Joe’s involvement with We Survive began almost 20 years ago when we had an educational display at the Kentucky Center for the Arts for Hunger and Homelessness.    In  2016-, Sunshine Joe and We Survive worked to coordinate an activity with the youth at Global Games Changes creating a tapestry “Voices.” The children learned about the art of  needle/tapestry art.  They wrote on the tapestry before its being embroidered and quilted in preparation for hanging.  
In 2023, we will be presenting a Commemorative Tapestry to YPAS-duPontManual.

Stacy Burks at LIGHTFEST 2019

Stacy Burks Stacy Burks was a nursing student when I first met her.  I took nursing students to Wayside Christian Mission for clinicals and she was one of my students who truly was moved by her experience.  
Stacy is now a nursing instructor.  She takes her students to Wayside Christian Mission on a regular basis and brings students each year to LIGHTFEST events.

On Friday, December 30, I got an invitation to a new non-profit started by Stacy who has partnered with Cristal Pollak. Stacy says, “We have been a solid team for many years now and without each other’s support Our502family would not exist. This is a dream for us both.”
How amazing is it that one of my past students who has been extremely involved in LIGHTFEST has launched a non-profit from her experience at Wayside years ago!  
Their mission “to share the love, joy and hope that so many have lost through homelessness. As long as we are able we will move… #hopelives”

2023 LIGHTFEST – Light the World with Hope Since the inception of LIGHTFEST in 1997 at Churchill Downs, the blending of organizations and schools throughout Kentuckiana has included a constant base from YPAS-duPont Manual.  One of our very first Youth Advisors was JC Reedy (Assistant to the principal at YPAS and Artistic Producer). 
Individuals and groups will continue to create activities leading up to the date of the Commemorative Tapestry Presentation Event in 2023 – Date TBA

Filed Under: Inspirational Stories, LIGHTFEST, Uncategorized, Who Inspires You Tagged With: ,
LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited 2018

LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited 2018

November 8, 2018 by ·

Written by Sharon Cecil

November 3, 2018

November 3, was a Brilliantly Bright Autumn Day, where education and awareness was provided regarding issues faced by those vulnerable to poverty, hunger and homelessness while offering various activities for all that attended.   

tapestry lightfest 20182VOICES were heard through artistic initiatives—displayed, demonstrated and created.  

LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited Ambassador “Sunshine” Joe Mallard’s commemorative tapestry from LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited 2017 was presented to a representative of St. Augustine Catholic Church in appreciation of their continued support of LIGHTFEST. 

Sunshine Joe Mallard is a motivational lecturer and visual art presenter and educator.  During a presentation some years ago, a young girl called Mr. Mallard “Sunshine Joe.”  She said to him, “The sunshine brings light and you do too.”

There was a diverse group of participants where education and awareness regarding issues faced by those vulnerable to poverty, hunger and homelessness was provided. 

All participants, including those within the homeless community, were invited to light up at 7pm led by Brad DeZern as participants sang This Little Light of Mine and This Land is Your Land.

Click here to see more pictures and a video from the day.

Sponsor—Passport Health PlansIMG_20181103_173207199

Host—St. Augustine Catholic Church

 

 

 

Volunteers

Diane Corsey

Jacqueline Browning

Kentucky One Health—Our Lady of Peace

Jacqueline Browning

Last Days Motorcycle Ministry

Brad DeZern

Linda Young

Jason Reynolds

Sunshine Joe Mallard Tapestry Creation

Carol Balogh

Enrichment Activities, LLC

Cathy Upshire

Carol Wieger

Joy Hooten

Bernell Porter

Complex Collaboration Step Dancers

Michelle Wolf

Matt Wolf

Sharon Moody

Surekha Kulkarni

Beaded Treasures Project

Marlene Will

Fern Creek Funeral Home

Kyle Mitchell

“Learn and Earn” Entrepreneurial Initiative Members 

 

In case we have missed anyone, please know we appreciate your help.  

Filed Under: Day of Hope, events, LIGHTFEST
Invisible Yet Invaluable part8

Invisible Yet Invaluable part8

October 22, 2018 by ·

Invisible Yet Invaluable

You know who they are.  People who are passionate and committed to helping while encouraging others.  The invisible are invaluable.  They use their talents to let someone else shine. The invisible do not encourage others for accolades.  They do it out of the passion that is in their hearts.    

On November 3, you will be able to meet amazing encouragers and see some of the work that has been done by those that they encourage at the 2018 LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited.   

Location                        St Augustine Catholic Church

                                          1310 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40203

Time                               5:30-7:30pm (the Walk of Hope is at 7pm)

Vernell Porter Jr. Founder of Complex Collaboration Step Team Est. 2011

Vernell Porter Jr. Founder of Complex Collaboration Step Team Est. 2011

Let us introduce you to the Complex Collaboration Step Team.

I want to continue to inspire, motivate, and instill passion into others! Back in 2011, I created something that was a desire, a dream, a vision; Complex Collaboration Step Team. CCST is a youth organization made up of elementary, middle, and high school students in Louisville, KY that enhances confidence, builds character, promotes progression, & saves lives through the art of STEP & DANCE!

Complex Collaboration Step Team has been blessed to have rehearsal space partnerships with different venues and we are so thankful for all of them. Now it’s time we know what it feels like to have a key to our own space and somewhere to call HOME! I want to provide these kids with a facility where they can continue to develop and explore their creative voices through the sound of step and the movement of dance.

Louisville, Kentucky is a city of hidden talent! My dream doesn’t stop here. I plan to expand and develop more opportunities for the youth in my community using this facility! The Complex Dance Centré  will instill positive attributes in the generation today! Most importantly giving an outlet for the youth to release energy, express emotions, and escape from hardships. I am dedicated to my art! This is why this space is sure to make a difference in what I will be able to contribute back to my community.

Here is where I need YOU:dance
The Complex Dance Centré will be HOME of Complex Collaboration Step Team but will also be HOME to any supporter who is willing to donate. With a new business, comes a lot of start up expenses. All money donated will go towards start up cost (mirrors, studio equipment, signage, etc.). Any monetary contribution will be greatly appreciated and the Complex Collaboration Step Team family will love you long time!

THANK YOU!   

-Complex Collaboration Step Team

Filed Under: events, LIGHTFEST, Who Inspires You
Invisible Yet Invaluable part7

Invisible Yet Invaluable part7

October 19, 2018 by ·

Invisible Yet Invaluable

You know who they are.  People who are passionate and committed to helping while encouraging others.  The invisible are invaluable.  They use their talents to let someone else shine. The invisible do not encourage others for accolades.  They do it out of the passion that is in their hearts.    

On November 3, you will be able to meet amazing encouragers and see some of the work that has been done by those that they encourage at the 2018 LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited.   

Location                        St Augustine Catholic Church

                                          1310 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40203

Time                               5:30-7:30pm (the Walk of Hope is at 7pm)

Let us introduce you to Cathy Upshire, Wholeness Strategist, Author, Speaker and Spiritual Wellness Coach.

HeadshotHi, I’m Cathy Upshire. I help women who have lost their sense of identity and power to not only reclaim it so that they can live their lives with dignity and resolve, but I also help them break free from the clenching jaws of their past.  I am not a doctor or a therapist.  I liken myself to a beautiful butterfly.  The colors and intricate patterns embedded in my wings represent all of the collective experiences and lessons I’ve learned along the way.  I spread my wings proudly (void of shame); I spread them wide; because they legitimize me, they authenticate me, they are God’s signature and seal that I am a transformed being; ready and suitable for the task at hand; ready to take those who are wounded, broken and marred on their own personal journeys to inner healing, wholeness, self-acceptance and self-love.

Filed Under: events, LIGHTFEST, Who Inspires You
Invisible Yet Invaluable part4

Invisible Yet Invaluable part4

October 9, 2018 by ·

Invisible Yet Invaluable

You know who they are.  People who are passionate and committed to helping while encouraging others.  The invisible are invaluable.  They use their talents to let someone else shine. The invisible do not encourage others for accolades.  They do it out of the passion that is in their hearts.    

On November 3, you will be able to meet amazing encouragers and see some of the work that has been done by those that they encourage at the 2018 LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited.   

Location                        St Augustine Catholic Church

                                         1310 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40203

 Time                              5:30-7:30pm (the Walk of Hope is at 7pm)

image (1)Let us introduce you to 2018 LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited Ambassador Sunshine Joe Mallard, World Renowned Tapestry Artisan who adds a spark of light in his work as he records hopes and challenges facing our communities in the tapestries that he creates. 

Sunshine Joe shares his creative artistry gift with children in our local community.  “I try to teach the children that anybody can start a project, but it takes a special person to finish it, and that it’s the little things you do on a daily basis that allow you to accomplish great things over a period of time.” I am making an impact in some children’s lives.” 

Sunshine Joe has definitely made an impact in the children’s lives he has reached with LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited over the 4 past events.image (2)

Filed Under: LIGHTFEST
Invisible Yet Invaluable part3

Invisible Yet Invaluable part3

September 28, 2018 by ·

Invisible Yet Invaluable

You know who they are.  People who are passionate and committed to helping while encouraging others.  The invisible are invaluable.  They use their talents to let someone else shine. The invisible do not encourage others for accolades.  They do it out of the passion that is in their hearts.    

On November 3, you will be able to meet amazing encouragers and see some of the work that has been done by those that they encourage at the 2018 LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited.   

Location                        St Augustine Catholic Church

                                        1310 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40203

 Time                              5:30-7:30pm (the Walk of Hope is at 7pm)

rev carolLet us introduce you to Rev Carol Wieger, Pastor of New Life in Christ Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) located inside Dismas Charities – Diersen and supported by Mission Behind Bars and Beyond Inc.

“I believe that God has blessed each of us with a gift.  That gift may not be readily apparent to us without the encouragement and discernment of another individual.  That gift may not be something that’s exactly tangible, either.  But, regardless, we each have a beautiful gift to share with one another.

When we realize that we have something valuable to share, we realize that we are valuable.  Unfortunately, not everyone has felt this before in their lives. 

My hope is to serve women in a capacity that leaves them feeling empowered, valued, capable, and respected.  When all these goals are achieved, the gifts that are found within each one of us can be shared with others… and that’s when the beauty truly begins.”

Filed Under: LIGHTFEST, Who Inspires You
Invisible Yet Invaluable part2

Invisible Yet Invaluable part2

September 28, 2018 by ·

Invisible Yet Invaluable

You know who they are.  People who are passionate and committed to helping while encouraging others.  The invisible are invaluable.  They use their talents to let someone else shine. The invisible do not encourage others for accolades.  They do it out of the passion that is in their hearts.    

On November 3, you will be able to meet amazing encouragers and see some of the work that has been done by those that they encourage at the 2018 LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited.   

Location                        St Augustine Catholic Church

                                        1310 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40203

 Time                              5:30-7:30pm (the Walk of Hope is at 7pm)

 blue browningLet us introduce you to Jacqueline “Blue” Browning, a psychiatric nurse who works with patients across the life span and volunteers to offer hope through health and wellness education.

Since a very young age, I knew I was placed on this planet with a mission, that mission being help others heal. Little did I know of the pain and struggles I would have to face and conquer in order to understand the concept of survival and thriving.  Everything I do, I do with the vision of being my best version, so I may impact others who may need a glimmer of hope, a kind word, reassurance. Many people whether it be family, friends or strangers have given me just that along the way. I am eternally grateful to them and work to give back every day. 

My goal is to bring holistic care to my patients and with those whom I volunteer. We all share this planet; this living breathing planet and we are all connected. My hope is to have people re-connect with themselves so that they may connect with others. Connection is what makes us strong. Together we are an unstoppable force.

Filed Under: LIGHTFEST, Who Inspires You
Invisible Yet Invaluable

Invisible Yet Invaluable

September 25, 2018 by ·

You know who they are.  People who are passionate and committed to helping while encouraging others.  The invisible are invaluable.  They use their talents to let someone else shine. The invisible do not encourage others for accolades.  They do it out of the passion that is in their hearts.    

On November 3, you will be able to meet amazing encouragers and see some of the work that has been done by those that they encourage at the 2018 LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited while learning about the “Learn and Earn” initiative.  

Location                     St Augustine Catholic Church

                                      1310 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40203

 Time                            5:30-7:30pm (the Walk of Hope is at 7pm)

carol annLet us introduce you to Carol Ann Balogh, Owner and Founder of Enrichment Activities, LLC.

“I am focused on each Individual finding their purpose.  Thus enabling them to feel more a part of their community. I want to help them to find how they can actually give of their own efforts, which will fulfill and enrich their own lives and increase their own self-esteem.

No matter what skills a person possesses, no matter what challenges he or she is going thru.  Everyone has the ability to move forward.

I want to be the person who helps a person find that talent, that skill, that interest…To take that interest and ignite that passion in their own ability to push forward.  To not only enjoy life, but to expand on the purpose to keep living.  To connect with the community, as a vital part of the community.”

Filed Under: LIGHTFEST, Who Inspires You

Learn and Earn – A Personal Perspective

July 3, 2018 by ·

Learn and Earn

A Personal Perspective

Written by Sharon Cecil

Growing up in a dysfunctional family and my mother’s death my senior year of high school set me on a journey full of exploration and discovery that included a failed marriage, multiple moves and several jobs.  I was full of doubt, had no self-esteem or confidence in myself. But, I knew that I had to learn in order to earn my way in life.

While married to my first husband, I experienced a turbulent yet MIRACULOUS pregnancy, I gave birth to a beautiful, healthy, bouncing baby girl in 1972.  Whew—after experiencing a Postpartum Depression, I was in need of a full body wellness experience.  

In order to be a good mother, I knew that I was going to need a lot of guidance.  Mental health seemed to be what was needed the most.  Part of the health care plan was to become engaged in therapeutic crafts.  This seemed to be the most beneficial part of my care plan, it was important to learn as much as I could.

In 1974, I started a craft class at Bardstown Road Presbyterian Church in Louisville, KY with the Highland Community Ministries.  This class lasted until the mid-1980’s.

During this time, I found myself to be a single parent after a difficult divorce.   I learned how to barter, and sell consignments utilizing my craft skills.  In order to supplement my income, I began:

  • doing cleaning at a local sewing center in exchange for sewing lessons and material to make my daughter and myself clothes 
  • making craft items to sell at a shop in St. Matthews, KY
  • learning a simple painting style while talking ceramic lessons in order to teach lessons for a craft shop in Jeffersontown, KY.

In 1979, an opportunity was available for me to go to college on a grant. During the discussion with my advisor, I shared that I would like to do hair styling, be a seamstress, chef or baker—something artistic.  He said that the only college course that would fit the list was chef through a Culinary Arts Program, which was not recommended.  He said that if I wanted to do something artistic, “you need to minor in art and get a traditional degree.”  He pushed business.  

I decided to get an Art Degree with no business in the mix.  

Some years passed, and I became a Registered Nurse. Since then, I‘ve applied my art and nursing skills as a psychiatric nurse, university lecturer, health educator and social advocate to design creative programming that benefit others.

As cancer survivors, my late husband, Moody Cecil, and I co-founded We Survive in 1994.  In 2012, Moody became dependent on me for much of his care.  Choosing to keep Moody at home was a choice I don’t regret making. Although it drained our finances and I am now experiencing financial fragility, I am a fighter who will not sit back with self-doubt.  That will not get me anywhere.   

In 2014, it was decided to re-ignite an event that was originally held in 1997—LIGHTFEST.  By 2015, we became less involved in the community because of both of our medical challenges.  But it was still possible to keep LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited (LFR) viable.  In 2017, LFR was celebrated in over 70 cities and 2 countries. It has been the goal of LIGHTFEST to reach an international level whereby everyone around the world will shine a Light of HOPE.

I faced life’s tragic obstacles that came with a dysfunctional family, the harshness of not being loved by a parent to watching people self-destruct through poor choices. Once I married Moody, I learned how to be loved unconditionally, believe in myself and dare to dream. 

Moody and I faced many obstacles and yet never gave up our passion to help others.  We blended our talents and created We Survive.  Our obstacles were many but our resolve was strong.

My actions have been from acquiring a deep-seated desire to never have another person feel alone or afraid.  As my husband would say to me and I now say to others, “I will believe in you until you believe in yourself. “  

Moody passed away in December of 2016.  Today I sit here writing this story thinking about the Business Degree I didn’t pursue and the lessons I have learned along the journey life has taken. Having personally experienced the power of hope, I am inspired to share that message with others through art and nature. I believe that “Art Saves Lives.”  It has saved mine numerous times.  

This year, We Survive is kicking off a Social Entrepreneurship Initiative—Learn and Earn which had gained momentum due to We Survive’s Voices – Passport to Art that took place in March 2018.

It is important to do what gets you excited–Purposeful Living is about living a life that you love.

I feel that Learn and Earn is not just about the potential to earn money. It’s about earning self-respect, self-confidence, recognition and support, and learn entrepreneurial skills. If some money can be earned, great!!!

Watch this short video to learn more about We Survive and some of its programming.


 

Filed Under: events, Inspirational Stories, LIGHTFEST, Luminating Letters, Portrayal of Hope, Stories, Who Inspires You, Words to Inspire, Works that Inspire, You Inspiring Others