Cheshire Ready to Light the Night with Hope

From Cheshire’s Lights of Hope:

CHESHIRE – More than 50,000 luminaries will light the streets and neighborhoods of town on Saturday with the return of Cheshire’s Lights of Hope, a signature event that raises money for scholarships and to help residents in need.

This year’s event has raised a total of $65,000 for local charities and organizations, including the Cheshire Community Food Pantry, Cheshire Youth and Social Services Department and the Petit Family Foundation. In addition to luminary sales, a total of 42 sponsors and friends have donated more than $16,500.

Cheshire’s Lights of Hope will kick off its 2016 event at 1:45 p.m. by presenting checks to those organizations in a ceremony at the First Congregational Church green.

A total of $4,000 from this year’s proceeds has also been earmarked for the 2017 Cheshire’s Lights of Hope scholarship winners, who are chosen for extraordinary community service.

“That’s what our organization is about - - trying to give back to our community to make it a better place,” said Cheshire’s Lights of Hope co-founder Don Walsh. “It’s neighbors helping neighbors.”

Volunteers will begin setting up the “Mile of Hope,” a one-mile stretch of luminaries along Route 10, starting at 2:30 p.m.

This year’s largest displays can be found at Cheshire Academy, St. Bridget’s Church, North Pond/Trout Brook Road, Sorghum Mill Drive and the First Congregational Church Green.

Volunteers from the Cheshire High School football and softball teams will begin cleaning up the Mile of Hope on Route 10 Sunday morning, starting at 8 a.m.

Founded in 2005 by Don and Jenifer Walsh, Cheshire’s Lights of Hope began among a small group of neighbors and expanded town wide in 2007. Through acts of kindness and generosity, the organization encourages good citizenship and promotes volunteerism while embracing and supporting local charities. The event has raised more than $765,000 since its inception.

For more information, visit www.cheshireslightsofhope.com.

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