DanversCARES Thanks 'Light The Night Purple' Attendees

On May 9th over 200 community members joined together on the grounds of the Peabody Institute Library for the 3rd annual DanversCARES Light The Night Purple Walk and Community Gathering to raise awareness about substance use prevention and treatment. It was an incredible showing from people looking to raise awareness about the stigma and challenges people with substance use disorder face on a regular basis.

Substance use disorders are not specific to age, race, gender, class or sexual orientation. A substance use disorder can occur in any family and any community; and it occurs among individuals and families in Danvers.

DanversCARES assists children, youth and families in making healthy decisions by promoting a safe and healthy community, collaborating on programs and services, and leveraging resources. The Light The Night Purple event is another example how when we come together as a community for a common cause we can make a difference.

The event would not have been a success without the help of our planning committee and many other people and organizations, including:

• Event Sponsors: East Boston Savings Bank, First Ipswich Bank, Lahey Health Behavioral Services, Maple Street Church, North Shore Bank, Office of the Essex County District Attorney, Recovery Centers for America, Serenity at Summit, and St. John’s Prep
• Speakers: Dan Bennett, Event Chair; Krista Conti and Jason Amaral who spoke about their recovery journeys; Reverend Pam Cochrane and Marya DeCarlen from the Danvers Interfaith Partnership who offered words of hope and lit luminaries with our DanversCARES leaders: Chloe Callahan, Gabriela Ferullo, and Skaina Pierre
• Peabody Institute Library Director Alex Lent for providing our gathering space
• Danvers Health, Police, Recreation, and School Departments
• Kevin Wood, for providing DJ services, music and equipment
• Crafters from the Senior Center for making purple bows to hang at the event
• Joslin Advertising and Sign a Ramma for our banners
• Blanch and Sons for the Light The Night Purple T-shirts
• Gymja Warriors for the gift certificates for the corn hole tournament winners

Above all, we are grateful that so many individuals and families came out to support substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery and to honor the stories and lives of those impacted.

May our message of hope and strength of community stay with you through the year and beyond.

Sincerely,

Peg Sallade

Director

DanversCARES