10/14/16 -- For Immediate Release

Candlelight Vigil To Be Held for Substance Abuse Prevention and Recovery Month

On Tuesday, October 25th at 6:30pm, the Anti-Drug Coalition of Citrus County will hold its annual Candlelight Vigil in partnership with Celebrate Recovery, and the NOPE Task Force, at Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church’s Student Ministry Center. 

Each year the Candlelight Vigil plays an important role for Substance Abuse Prevention and Recovery Month for October.  While there are other activities that go on during this time, the Candlelight Vigil, started by the NOPE Task Force, is a special one.  This event brings together a variety of people who are concerned about substance abuse in our community, and consistently advocate for change.  Family and friends, community leaders, law enforcement officials, students, and others will gather together to remember those lost to substance abuse, and also celebrate those who are in recovery.  The Vigil includes special music, both student and adult guest speakers, and a candle-lighting remembrance portion. 

“This event is personal for me,” says Executive Director of the Anti-Drug Coalition, Renea Teaster. “I lost a family member nine years ago in an accident where alcohol was involved, so the Candlelight Vigil has a special meaning for me. I had actually started attending the event a couple of years ago before I started to work for the Coalition, as a way to show my community support while honoring the memory of my family member. Now, I’m so thankful to be able to plan this event for the community as a part of my job.”  

Celebrate Recovery, a nationally recognized support program for those overcoming addictions has been a vital part of Seven Rivers’ outreach ministry for many years now, and has partnered with the Anti-Drug Coalition to host the event for several years at their facility.  “We’re so thankful for the partnership with Celebrate Recovery, and for them opening their doors to the community each year to host this special event,” says Teaster. 

For more information about the event, please contact the Anti-Drug Coalition at 601-6620, or [email protected].