The Darlington Community will come together on Friday, April 8, to honor and remember the lives of those affected by cancer at the 8th annual Light the Lake. Over the course of the evening, attendees will walk hundreds of laps in reflection around a luminary-lit Silver Lake.
“So many members of our community have been personally touched by cancer, and this particular night has become a wonderful tradition that supports and honors those who have fought and continue the fight against this terrible disease,” said Reba Barnes, director of servant leadership. “Our students make this wonderful tribute happen every spring.”
The event will officially kick off with dinner in The Cove at 5 p.m. Throughout the evening, students, faculty, parents and friends are encouraged to move about Silver Lake. A special Walk of Honor will take place at 8 p.m., as cancer survivors and current patients lead participants around the heart of the Darlington campus. The walk will finish up with the release of lanterns into the night sky, as glowing candles float along the water signifying hope for a cure and the memories of loved ones that cannot be extinguished.
Light the Lake is free to attend, but any and all donations will be graciously accepted. All proceeds raised from the event will be donated to local non-profit organizations Cancer Navigators and Summit Quest.
“Cancer Navigators helps cancer patients find resources through education, counseling and services so that their focus can be more towards treatment,” said Angela James, service navigator manager. “We are really excited about Light the Lake this year and hope to partner with Darlington again in the future to help continue our mission.”
“Summit Quest provides strength, hope and service to children in families affected by cancer through support programs and activities,” said William James, founder and executive director. “Darlington showcases the love and service in action that Rome has for the non-profit sector in supporting efforts that help others. Darlington students get out there in the community and make Rome and Floyd County a better place.”
At the event will be opportunities for the Darlington Community to learn more about the evening's highlighted organizations, and to take part in different stations including: Knots for Nanny blankets, origami and calligraphy, Zumba, face painting, tie-dying, and a variety of other fun activities. There will also be live music throughout the evening.
Tentative schedule
5-10 p.m. – Reflective laps around Silver Lake
5-7 p.m. – Games and activities
5-6:30 p.m. – Dinner in The Cove/Dodd Dining Room
5:30 p.m. – Maggie Inman
5:40 p.m. – Long Nguyen
5:50 p.m. – Richard Wang and Andy Wei
6:10 p.m. – Morgan Adams, Anabelle Scarborough and Rainey Scarborough
6:30 p.m. – Ian Kinney, Daniel Morris and Mary Margaret Wright
6:40 p.m. – Mamie Johnson and Miju Obanikoro
7 p.m. – Balloon release
7:15 p.m. – 4th and 5th Grade Choir
7:30 p.m. – Luminaries lit around the lake
7:45 p.m. – Line up for Walk of Honor
8 p.m. – Walk of Honor
8:15 p.m. – Candle and lantern release
8:30 p.m. – Purple Cows and S’mores
8:40 p.m. – Brie Bishop
9 p.m. – Miju Obanikoro
9:15 p.m. – Zumba with Ms. Yensen Lambert
10 p.m. – End of Light the Lake 2016
"We invite all of our families, area alumni and friends to come out and participate, celebrate and remember,” added Barnes.
Light the Lake T-shirts are still available for $15 each, and can be ordered through Friday, April 1, by emailing Reba Barnes or clicking here.
Click here to see photos from last year's Light the Lake.
