Community

Light Up a Life Community Remembrance Event Now Virtual; Loved One’s Name Due Nov. 2

The global pandemic has changed This year, the lovely voices of the the way we work, play and Valley Youth Theatre Choir will live… and, no doubt, will alter kick off and end the program, with the way we celebrate the holiday season. unique renditions of iconic songs Hospice of the Valley traditionally Needs Now is Love.” holds an annual community event right before Thanksgiving — a special To maintain safe distancing, time of coming together to remember the students will pre-record the our loved ones who have passed, but songs from different locations still live in our hearts. simultaneously during a Zoom video This season, Light Up A Life will be a Bobb Cooper will coordinate the virtual event. Instead of a gathering of production. nearly 2,000 at Steele Indian School Park, families can tune into AZTV “We are thrilled to be able to Channel 7 and watch the program continue this meaningful tradition as from the comfort and safety of home. the holidays draw near,” Hospice of Light Up A Life 2020 will air Sunday Shumway says. “It’s a special time evening, Nov. 22, from 5 to 6 p.m. for so many in our community, and As always, families can anticipate we hope this new format will allow seeing their loved one’s picture appear even more families to participate in a photographic montage set to virtually in this beautiful evening of beautiful music. remembrance.”

Chris and Teresa Mata attended last year’s event to honor Teresa’s late mom. “It’s a very helpful part of healing,” Chris says as they watched the tribute together. “It brings back a lot of good memories.” “Memories” and “What the World conference. VYT Artistic Director the Valley Executive Director Debbie

Everyone is welcome to submit a loved one’s photo for Light Up A Life’s memorial tribute. The final deadline is 5 p.m. on November 2. For details, call 602-530-6992 or email LUAL@hov.org.