Womanspace kicks off 16th annual ‘Communities of Light’ fundraiser
Illumination of the Womanspace event that shines a light on domestic violence as local residents and businesses prepare for the 16th Annual Communities of Light is underway.
The annual event raises awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault in Mercer County and surrounding areas.
Womanspace kicked off this year’s activities with a October 24th “Communities of Light Peace Begins at Home event at the D&R Greenway Land Trust in Princeton.
Over the next five weeks, Womanspace and local businesses will sell luminary kits made up of motif candles and white paper bags before a Monday, Dec. 4 lighting event that occurs throughout Mercer County.
Kristin Appelget, Director of Community and Regional Affairs at Princeton University, serves as the 16th Annual Communities of Light Honorary Chair.
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to support Womanspace as the honorary chair of the 2017 Communities of Light, an annual event has become a wonderful tradition throughout the region,” Appleget related via email.
“Communities of Light is a time when residents and businesses come together to shine a bright light to reflect that we are a community who cares about the safety and well-being of our neighbors. The work that Womanspace does throughout the year to help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking is nothing short of heroic and is deserving of our support.”
The Community of Lights effort continues driving women’s issues following October which supported Domestic Violence and Breast Cancer Awarneness.
A Womanspace email described, “This event (as) a powerful symbol of hope for those impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault in our community. It helps raise awareness and let victims know that they are not alone. We’re honored to have Kristin as this year’s honorary chair to help relay this message, as a long time supporter to us and active in the community.”
Each year, more than 200 volunteers sell, distribute and display the luminary kits. Volunteers sell the luminary kits to their friends, neighbors and co-workers.
At dusk on the day of the event, hundreds of people, scores of organizations and community groups, and the municipalities within Mercer County light thousands of their candles.
Each luminary kit costs $10 and includes supplies and safety instructions for assembling 6 luminary displays to cover 150 linear feet. Kits will be available for purchase this fall at various retail locations throughout Mercer County.
100% of all proceeds from event sponsorships, luminary kit sales and donations to Communities of Light benefit Womanspace programs that serve over 10,000 adults and children each year, who are impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault.
Luminary kits are available at numerous Mercer County businesses. For more information access “womanspace.org” or call (609) 394-0136.
Contact the Crisis Hotline (609) 3949000.