Last Summer, some friends of mine, Rob Gryder and Jillian Duchnowski dreamed up an idea. A skylantern festival. What if we planned an event to launch hundreds of skylanterns over Yorkville?
It happened. Video: http://youtu.be/c5a8IHe3maU
October 6, 2012 was one of the most beautiful nights I have ever experienced. We launched 240 skylanterns over Yorkville and raised $4200. for Suicide Prevention Services. www.spsamerica.org
I had hopes of duplicating the event on June 1st, 2013. Four days before our planned skylantern festival, the State of Illinois banned skylanterns. We tried to seek approval, get grandfathered in, hire pyrotechs.. but we were still unable to launch.
Something quite magical happened. 3 ladies, in fact. They became my skylanterns. Bright and beautiful lights.
Please enjoy this video of June 1st, 2013: http://vimeo.com/73898022
Heather, Shauna, and Ashley danced with their hearts for all to see- each with varying specialty. Heather donned beautiful white fans. Shauna had a glowing hula hoop. Ashley danced with fire fans and a fire hoop.
The wide-eyed wonder from the audience was confirmation that this was spectacular, inspiring, and exactly the exchange we needed.
Moreover, the meaning behind the dances.
Heather and Shauna had both lost loved ones to suicide and dedicated dances to them. I had to try hard to push back the tears as Heather gently set down her beautiful fans and picked up the shirt that belonged to her brother, David, and began to dance around with it. It was solemnly beautiful.
The connected feeling wove through out the crowd. There were boxes of sidewalk chalk on table- free to anyone who felt like drawing. My friend Rikki witnessed a woman write: "I miss you Tim. Love, Mom." Rikki hugged her when she was done writing. It didn't matter that she was a stranger. We were all at the event for a reason and bonded because of that.
Once again, we raised $4,200. for Suicide Prevention Services.
www.spsamerica.org
I got a phone call after the event. "We want to do the same festival at Oswego East High School." I was thrilled and offered to help recreate the event. Again with proceeds going to Suicide Prevention Services.
There is a special student who has a story to share and a reason for wanting this festival to be at her school. More details, soon.
Join me on October 19th, 2013 at Oswego East High School for another Stars of Hope Festival. We will have fire dancers, face painters, side walk chalk art, luminaria lining the track, and a balloon launch. Experience this. It's a celebration of life and hope. Stars of Hope. More information and tickets: www.starsofhopefestival.com
Additionally, we have planned a skylantern launch from George Williams College. 350 Constance Blvd Williams Bay, WI 53191. Phone: (262) 245-5531
Join us as we launch skylanterns on October 26th at 6PM.
The college is about an hour and twenty minutes north of Yorkville. Rooms are available for $85. if you wish to stay over night at the college.
*Sky Lantern Reservation: www.spsamerica.org We will launch shortly after 6PM over the lake at the college.
Thank you so much for supporting Suicide Prevention Services. Hope to see you at BOTH events!
