HOPE Sheds Light Inc., a Toms River-based nonprofit organization dedicated to educating families on the disease of addiction, will host its seventh annual Celebration of HOPE virtual walk on Sept. 12.
The kickoff ceremony will be live on Facebook starting at 9 a.m. The virtual walk will begin right after the ceremony, according to a press release.
“If we have to go virtual, let’s go large,” said Pamela Capaci, CEO of HOPE Sheds Light.
At the Celebration of HOPE walk, the community comes together to learn about substance
use disorder.
“We want to celebrate recovery and provide hope to those affected,” Capaci added. “Those impacted by addiction typically don’t know where to turn for help. Our walk offers them a community of support.”
Now in its seventh year, walkers are encouraged to register online and start a team.
Registration is $5 per person.
“We also invite you to create a personal video and tell us why you are walking,” Capaci said.
Videos can be emailed to [email protected] and will be shared on HOPE Sheds Light’s social media channels leading up to walk day, according to the press release.
“Before COVID-19, New Jersey was dealing with the addiction epidemic,” said Capaci. “Since the pandemic, there has been a 20% increase in overdose deaths in New Jersey.
Please help us raise awareness and support those impacted by substance use disorder.”
The walk offers resources for family members and friends of those dealing with addiction
and substance misuse. The event also highlights inspirational speakers, a “virtual” Tree of
HOPE to remember those who were lost, a 50/50 raffle and more.
“It’s a celebration of recovery,” said Capaci. “We are always hearing about the negatives of the disease, but by bringing hope and education to the community, we support each other and those affected. We show that recovery is possible.”
HOPE Sheds Light Inc. was founded in 2012 after co-founder Ron Rosetto lost his son Marc to a battle against substance abuse.
To learn more about HOPE Sheds Light or to register, donate or sponsor the seventh annual
Celebration of HOPE virtual walk, visit HOPEShedsLight.org