These three bags are a sample of the dozens that were illuminated as the sun set Tuesday at the Hope Lights the Night event Tuesday. Each bag was a dedication to a cancer victim or survivor. Photo By Aprile DeAnne McKinnon
Hope Lights the Night inspires
More than 300 felt the spirit of hope as so many came together Tuesday to shed some light on those who are surviving cancer and have hope. Hope Lights the Night was filled with inspirational comments and speeches, music and the writing of the names of those suffering and surviving cancer on a Wall of Hope and on Luminary Bags, which were illuminated as the sun set.
The evening, hosted by Michelle’s Place, was kicked off with a welcome by City of Canyon Lake City Councilmember Jeremy Smith who also gave the invocation. A stirring national anthem was sung by Sarah Kennedy and City of Canyon Lake Mayor Dale Welty was introduced.
Bill and Marilyn Watson spoke of the significance of a luminary event.
Just as the sun was setting at 7:08 p.m., each person lit their Luminary Bags and placed them alongside the pathway in front of the amphitheater stage. A moment of silence to honor and remember those who have died of cancer was taken and then music was played.
Photo By Aprile DeAnne McKinnon
The Canyon Lake club, Mermaids of Canyon Lake co-sponsored the event with Michelle’s Place.
“Mermaids of Canyon Lake was honored to be a part of this beautiful event,” Mermaids Vice President Nicole Taylor said. “Thank you Michelle’s Place for what you do for so many. We look forward to helping again in the future.”
Code 415, a band headlined by Aprile McKinnon, played at the event.
“Code 415 was very happy to be a part of the event,” Aprile said. “Two band members, Paul Gallagher and Larry Cambra, are cancer survivors and my son Zach is 11 years cancer free this month. This event was close to our hearts and it was beautiful to all come together to gather for one cause. It was touching watching from the bandstand those come to place their luminaries for loved ones.”
Photo By Aprile DeAnne McKinnon
Speakers take the stage at the Holiday Harbor Amphitheater during the presentations at the Hope Lights the Night event Tuesday night. Photo by Nicole Taylor
Participants at the Hope Lights the Night event write names of loved ones on the Memory Wall of cancer victims and survivors. Photo By Nicole Taylor