The Together We Can CHQ Coalition, in collaboration with the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Chautauqua County, and other community partners, will host the second annual “Be the Light: Anyone Can Save a Life” Vigil on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 6–8 p.m. at Point Gratiot Park in Dunkirk.
The event will take place during Overdose Awareness Week, August 23–31, 2025, which Chautauqua County recognizes each year in alignment with International Overdose Awareness Day.
This free community gathering will feature:
- Live music by local singer-songwriter Miranda Wilcox
- Keynote speakers Brian Boedo, Joseph Wicks, and Amy Adams, sharing personal stories of resilience, hope, and recovery
- Education on New York State’s Good Samaritan Law by Dunkirk Police Chief Witkowski
- Acknowledgment of Chautauqua County First Responders by County Executive PJ Wendel
- Resource fair with local organizations providing harm reduction supplies such as Narcan and testing strips, as well as education and support services
Additional highlights include family-friendly activities, face painting, temporary tattoos, a butterfly craft station, giant Jenga, and tic-tac-toe. Guests will also be invited to remember loved ones by writing their names on a community memorial banner. There will be raffle opportunities, a balloon arch and butterfly photo stations, a free book table, and light refreshments sponsored by Tim Hortons. The evening will close with a moving Purple Glow Wand Vigil at sunset, featuring a special performance of “Rise Up” by Dayjia Daily.
“Overdose Awareness Week is a time to remember those we have lost and to support the many families and individuals impacted by substance use,” said Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel. “Events like ‘Be the Light’ bring our community together to honor lives lost, celebrate recovery, and spread the message that help is available and hope is possible.”
The “Be the Light” vigil is free and open to the public. Proceeds from raffles and t-shirt sales will benefit ongoing “Be the Light” community efforts. The event is also registered with the International Overdose Awareness Day Campaign.
For more information about Be the Light, visit the Facebook event page, and about Overdose Awareness Week and resources available, visit www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/overdose-awareness-week.
