Carson City candlelight vigils Saturday

The shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut has claimed the lives of 26 people, 20 of them children. This is a tragedy that has gained national attention and has wrenched the hearts of Carson City residents. Saturday night, December 15, as the sun sets at 6 p.m., members of the Carson City business community will host a candlelight vigil on the sidewalk of the Nevada State Capitol building, located at 101 North Carson Street.

An earlier Carson City candlelight vigil is scheduled Saturday at 3:30 p.m. hosted by Carson City Mixed Martial Arts and the Fighters Against Bullies program.

Spearheaded by Megan Torres, co-owner of Remedy’s, a local bar, this solemn event will bring together residents and business owners on the sidewalk of the Capitol building to help citizens gain emotional support and raise funds to be donated directly to the Newtown Public School District. The funds are intended to aid the school district as they provide crisis care for the families of the victims as well as the students of Sandy Hook Elementary.

“We hope that vigils like this will motivate other cities to do the same,” says Megan Torres. “My heart has been hurting over this tragedy. This is one thing we can do as a community to stand up and tell them we care.”

Those wishing to participate in the candlelight vigil are urged to bring a candle and a donation, which will be sent directly to the school district. A table will be set up for donations via cash or check. Make checks payable to Newtown Public School District.

Come and light a candle for these little lives on the sidewalk of the Capital Building. Instrumental music will be played to provide the comfort that many of us need in a time of tragedy.