Ronan event remembers those lost to suicide
Despite the chilly fall weather Friday evening, friends and loved ones were remembered during Light the Night, an event sponsored by the Your Life Matters Project. The fundraiser is in memory of those lost to suicide. (Ashley Fox/Lake County Leader)
Lights were strung on a memory board, illuminating stories and photos of those lost to suicide at the second annual Light the Night in Ronan on Saturday. (Ashley Fox/Lake County Leader)
The sky was aglow in Ronan Friday night for the second annual Light the Night at the track at Ronan High School.
Sponsored by the Your Life Matters Project, organizer Donalee Johnsen said that the event was more than raising funds for the suicide awareness nonprofit.
“We wanted to light up the darkness,” Johnsen explained, adding that glow sticks were available for participants in addition to Chinese lanterns and solar lights that led the pathways for both a 5k and a one-mile race.
Participants were encouraged to bring photos or stories of loved ones lost to suicide for a memory board, made out of wooden pallets. Memories were strung along with lights, illuminating memories.
Wind chimes were hung in memoriam, too.
“We want to remember” people, Johnsen shared.
The organization formed in the summer of 2015. Members decided that a run during Halloween would “be fun for kids” so they could wear their costumes, Johnsen said, where people were awarded prizes for their costumes.
Wilson Hidy of St. Ignatius, ran the mile course in six minutes, 25 seconds.
“I don’t usually run events,” he said as he smiled at his accomplishment.
Hidy has been running on his own for about a year.
Johnsen said that besides the first place runners for male and female and best costumes receiving medals, the youngest-registered runner received a medal as well.
The oldest participant and the slowest-recorded participant each received chairs.
Proceeds from the Light the Night go toward scholarships to students who write essays on how suicide has affected them, Johnsen said.
YLM “starts the conversation” on suicide by sponsoring mental health training sessions and other events through the year.
During each event, Johnson said that one of the main goals is making sure the public, especially youths, know how to contact the hotline at 1 (800) 273-8255.
For information on YLM, visit Facebook.com and search “Your Life Matters Project.”
Results from the YLM race
First Place:
Aryal Love, female
Justin Conklin, male
Best overall costume:
Group of friends dressed as witches
Youngest registered runner:
Madalynn Vassar, 3 years