Covenant House Washington

1. What is the Candlelight Vigil?
2. When is the Vigil being held?
3. What is the theme of the event?
4. How can I get involved?
5. How do I sign up and whom do I contact for more information?

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What is the Candlelight Vigil? | Top

The Candlelight Vigil for Kids is an annual event designed to raise public awareness about the issues and conditions facing homeless, runaway, and abused youth. Part of the international Vigil for Kids, the Washington event is one of 21 Vigils conducted simultaneously throughout the United States, in Canada and Latin America. The Vigil is intentionally held outside to give participants a brief glimpse of what homeless youth and children experience during the winter season.

This year, Covenant House Washington is pleased to announce that Washington Mystics Forward, Chamique Holdsclaw serves as Honorary Chairperson for the Candlelight Vigil for Kids. Her compassion for youth makes her #1 on and off the court. She will March with youth during the Vigil and will speak during the post-Vigil program.

When is the Vigil being held? | Top

2003 marks the 13th year of the international Candlelight Vigil for Kids, the ninth year for Covenant House Washington. The Vigil will be held Tuesday, December 9. Participants are asked to gather in Shepherd's Park at 5 p.m. Shepherd's Park is located on the corner of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue in southeast Washington. The Vigil March to Ballou High School begins at 5:30 p.m. Ballou is located at 3401 4th Street. The March is approximately 1.2 miles. There will be a brief concluding program in the high school's gymnasium. This is the fourth year that the post-Vigil program has been held at Ballou High.

What is the theme of the event? | Top

Shining a New Light for a New Tomorrow is the theme of Covenant House Washington's Candlelight Vigil. The theme was developed and adopted by a planning committee representative of community members and various organizations that serve children and youth. Vigil participants will carry flashlights symbolizing hope for a brighter future for our youth.

How can I get involved? | Top

Community support is key to the success of the Candlelight Vigil. You can help by spreading the word to friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Companies, churches, civic groups, sororities, etc., are welcomed to bring banners identifying their organization during the Vigil. A Vigil Orientation is scheduled for:
     
     Wednesday, November 19, 6:30 p.m.
     Nancy Dickerson Whitehead Community Service Center
     2001 Mississippi Avenue, SE

The Orientation is designed to inform interested persons and organizations about Vigil activities and how they can get involved. Please call 202-610-6505 to confirm your attendance.

How do I sign up and whom do I contact for more information? | Top

A registration form can be faxed, e-mailed or mailed to you by calling Maria Thestrup, Communications Assistant, 202-610-6505. Jocelyn Harris, Director of Communications, is coordinating the 2003 Vigil. She can be contacted at 202-610-9608.

Covenant House Washington
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