WELCOME TO CHESHIRE’S LIGHTS OF HOPE
Thank You Cheshire For 18 Great Years!
With Your Help, We Raised Over $1.25 Million
On November 12, 2022, Cheshire’s Lights of Hope concluded its incredible 18-year journey with a Grand Finale event that brought our community together one last time. What began in 2005 as a small neighborhood gathering grew into a town-wide tradition that raised over $1.25 million for local charities and inspired thousands of volunteers.
Founders’ Message
From Don Walsh, President (May 2022):
“Cheshire’s Lights of Hope began in 2005 as a local event created to bring together our neighbors. Two years later, with the help of hundreds of volunteers, my wife, Jenifer, and I made Cheshire’s Lights of Hope a town-wide luminary event.
Every November for the past 17 years, our event has grown. Together we have raised $1.1 million for local charities and students in the Cheshire community.
It is with extremely mixed feelings that we have made the difficult decision to announce that this year’s luminary event on November 12, 2022, will be the final one for our organization. The time commitment is incredible, and we feel that we have given as much as we possibly can.
We want to thank our Board of Directors, Executive Committee, the hundreds of selfless volunteers, and generous sponsors who have supported our mission of neighbors helping neighbors over these past 17 years. We never expected to have this impact on our community and hope we can leave a lasting legacy of volunteerism.”
Contact Information
For historical inquiries or information contact us via our online submission form here.
Our Mission & Legacy
Cheshire’s Lights of Hope united our community to light up our town and create a brighter world. Through acts of kindness and generosity, we encouraged good citizenship and promoted volunteerism while embracing and supporting local charities.
Our Impact
- Total Funds Raised: Over $1.25 million (2005-2022)
- Volunteers: Hundreds of dedicated community members annually
- Luminaries: More than 50,000 lit each November
- Years of Service: 18 years of community dedication
- Scholarships: $2,000 annual scholarships to Cheshire High School seniors for outstanding volunteerism
The Legacy
The Cheshire’s Lights of Hope legacy lives on through:
- Strengthened community bonds
- Inspired volunteerism culture
- Financial support for local charities
- Educated youth about community service
- Demonstrated power of neighbors helping neighbors
Cheshire’s Lights of Hope was a registered nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local Cheshire, CT charities through community volunteerism.
Beneficiary Organizations
Our fundraising efforts supported vital community organizations:
Primary Recipients
- Cheshire Community Food Pantry – Providing food assistance to local families in need
- Cheshire Youth and Social Services – Supporting youth programs and family services
- The Petit Family Foundation – Helping families and communities recover from trauma
- Cheshire Food Drive – Annual support for food security initiatives
- Cheshire YMCA – Community wellness and youth programs
2022 Event Donations (Final Year)
- $14,500 to Cheshire Community Food Pantry
- $14,500 to Cheshire Youth and Family Services
- $8,500 to The Petit Family Foundation
- $2,000 to Cheshire Food Drive
- $1,000 to Cheshire YMCA
- $4,000 in scholarship awards (two $2,000 scholarships)
The Luminary Event Tradition
Each November, our town came together for the “Light the Night” event, where neighbors lined streets with glowing luminaries, creating a spectacular display of community spirit.
How It Worked
- Street Captains coordinated luminary sales on their streets
- Volunteers assembled over 50,000 luminary kits
- Community members lit luminaries at dusk
- “Mile of Hope” featured special displays on the Congregational Church Green
- Rally events included food, entertainment, and community celebration
The Experience
The simple act of gathering neighbors and lighting a luminary had a significant impact on our community, creating lasting memories and fostering genuine connections between residents.
Annual Scholarship Program
For 14 years, Cheshire’s Lights of Hope awarded scholarships to Cheshire High School graduating seniors who exemplified our mission of community service and volunteerism.
The scholarship program continues to remains active today!
Scholarship Details
- Award Amount: One $3,000 recipient (was $2,000 in prior years)
- Number of Recipients: One annual scholarship (was two in prior years)
- Selection Criteria: Amount and type of volunteer work, impact on community, commitment to service
The scholarship program recognizes students who demonstrated extraordinary dedication to helping their community and embodied the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors.
Contact Cheshire High School College/Career Center to learn what the requirements are and for instructions on how to apply.
Sponsorship Program (Historical)
Local businesses and individuals supported our mission through generous sponsorships.
Sponsorship Levels
- Diamond Sponsor – Top-tier community partners
- Platinum Sponsor – $1,000 contribution
- Gold Sponsor – $500 contribution
- Silver Sponsor – $250 contribution
- Friends & In-Kind – Under $250 or donated goods/services
Sponsor Benefits
Sponsors received recognition through event signage, website listings, social media acknowledgment, and program mentions. Their support directly funded charitable donations to local organizations.
Leadership & Organization (Historical)
Board of Directors
- President: Don Walsh – Founder and visionary leader
- Vice President: Jenifer Walsh (Street Captains Co-Chair) – Co-founder
- Secretary: Kathy Kirby
- Treasurer: Linda Blackburn
- Member: Steve Thomas
Executive Committee
Our executive committee managed all aspects of the event, including:
- Charitable Donations
- Marketing & Public Relations
- Volunteer Coordination
- Street Captain Support
- Sponsorship Development
- Awards & Recognition
- Website & Technology
- Merchandise
- Legal Counsel
- Photography & Media
Volunteer Opportunities (Historical)
An event like Cheshire’s Lights of Hope was only possible through dedicated volunteers who gave their time and energy. Volunteer roles included:
Year-Round Opportunities
- Street Captains – Sold luminaries to neighbors and coordinated street participation
- Luminary Assembly – Assembled kits over multiple evenings
- Operations Team – Managed event setup and breakdown
- Rally Volunteers – Staffed food booths, provided directions, sold luminaries
- Committee Members – Led awards, operations, sponsorships, and coordination efforts
- Youth Ambassadors – Student leaders who earned community service hours
Volunteer Recognition
Volunteers could earn documented community service hours for school requirements, college applications, and personal fulfillment. Street Captains earned 10 minutes of volunteer time per luminary kit sold.
Event History Highlights
Year-by-Year Achievements
- 2005: Founded as neighborhood event
- 2007: Expanded to town-wide luminary event
- 2015: Celebrated 10th anniversary
- 2020: Surpassed $1 million fundraising milestone despite COVID-19 adaptations
- 2021: Raised $85,000, bringing total to over $1,085,000
- 2022: Grand Finale event raised final contributions, reaching $1.25 million total
Notable Moments
- Adapted 2020 event to accommodate COVID-19 safety protocols
- Postponed 2021 event from November 13 to November 20 due to weather
- Consistent growth in participation and fundraising year over year
- Built network of 240+ Street Captains
- Created lasting community traditions and memories
Get Involved (Historical)
While the annual luminary event has concluded, the spirit of community service continues in Cheshire.
Ways Community Members Participated
- Joined as Street Captains – Led neighborhood participation
- Volunteered time – Contributed skills and energy
- Purchased luminaries – Supported through participation
- Became sponsors – Provided financial backing
- Spread awareness – Shared on social media and with neighbors
- Attended events – Celebrated community together
Contact Information
For historical inquiries or information contact us via our online submission form here.
Photo & Video Gallery
Throughout 18 years, thousands of photos and videos captured the magic of Cheshire’s Lights of Hope. Community members shared their experiences through:
- Aerial views of illuminated streets
- “Mile of Hope” displays
- Rally day festivities
- Volunteer assembly nights
- Award ceremonies
- Community celebrations
These memories serve as a testament to what a community can accomplish when neighbors come together with a shared purpose. You can find a multitude of photos and videos within our social channels in the header of our site.
Thank You, Cheshire!
Cheshire’s Lights of Hope was more than an event—it was a movement that brought our community together, supported those in need, and inspired a generation of volunteers.
To every volunteer, donor, sponsor, Street Captain, board member, and community participant: Thank you for 18 incredible years.
Your generosity, time, and commitment to neighbors helping neighbors created something truly special. While the luminary event has concluded, the spirit of service and community connection you helped build will continue to light the way for future generations.
Contact Information
For historical inquiries or information contact us via our online submission form here.