EVERETT — The 10th annual “A Night to Remember, A Time to Act” candlelight vigil and resource fair will take place Thursday, August 27, at the Snohomish County Plaza, 3000 Rockefeller Ave. Join community members to honor those lost to overdose and connect with support services.
The event, marking a decade of Snohomish County’s International Overdose Awareness Day observance, begins with a resource fair at 5 p.m. featuring local organizations that provide support, services and information for individuals and families affected by addiction. A program follows at 6:30 p.m., with a candlelight vigil and reception at 7 p.m.
Coordinated by the nonprofit Hope Soldiers in partnership with Snohomish County, “A Night to Remember, A Time to Act” was founded 10 years ago by mothers Cathi Lee and Debbie Warfield after the overdose deaths of their sons, Corey Lee and Spencer Warfield. The women sought to offer the resources they wished had been available during their families’ struggles and to create a space to remember loved ones lost too soon.
“You don’t ever get over losing a child—you just learn how to carry that loss with you and find a way to keep going,” Warfield said. “Ten years ago, ‘A Night To Remember, A Time To Act’ was born out of that heartbreak. What started as a way for us to remember our son and the many others we had lost has grown into something that brings our community together.”
Lee added, “Ten years ago, we had no idea that sharing our story and hosting our first ‘A Night To Remember, A Time To Act’ candlelight vigil and resource fair would ignite compassion, support and conversations that would change lives forever.”
Last year’s ninth annual event drew about 300 people to the same plaza. It opened with remarks from Hope Soldiers founder and CEO Lindsey Arrington, who thanked partners including Snohomish County, local law enforcement, judges and Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin. Arrington offered immediate detox access through Courage to Change for anyone struggling with substance use.
Lee and Warfield shared personal stories of loss. A moment of silence followed, then a panel discussion on housing and sober living that included nurse practitioner Geoffrey Godfrey of Conquer Clinics, Christina Anderson of Courage for Change, Amy Wheat of Snohomish County Human Services, recovery advocate Taylor Maddison and others. Mayor Franklin announced that recovery housing is a priority in the city’s housing plans and called for broader funding support. The evening closed with a candlelight vigil.
The resource fair that year included tents from service providers offering information, naloxone and other overdose-prevention supplies. Organizers emphasized breaking stigma, supporting those in recovery and addressing needs such as housing and youth prevention.
Substance use disorder resources are available at www.snohomishoverdoseprevention.com. The Washington Recovery Help Line offers free, confidential support 24 hours a day at 1-866-789-1511.
Author: Mario Lotmore
