Annual Addiction Awareness Vigil

9th Annual, August 27th, 2025, Downtown New Canaan

This outdoor event features live music, tributes, recovery testimonials, resources, and a candlelight vigil led by local faith community leaders. Speeches start at 7pm, and live music at 6:15pm.

6 South Avenue, New Canaan. Town parking available at both Morse Court and Park Street lots.

Why a Vigil?

The Vigil was started in tribute to all the people who died too soon because of the addiction epidemic, including our Founder Paul’s son Evan. Our event has become a celebration of recovery, with courageous speakers sharing stories of redemption and hope. Faith community leaders join to lead all of us in a candle lighting ceremony. Our goal is to help each other heal, and to save lives by sharing stories.

Event Summary

6:15 PM: People start gathering for live music, fellowship, to place tribute hearts on our Hope & Remembrance Wall, and to learn about local resources.

7:00 PM: Speeches start, with the candle lighting segment, our Community Pledge, and the event-ending sing-along to follow.

MY PLEDGE AS A MEMBER OF MY COMMUNITY:

I pledge that I will reach out to someone I know who is struggling. I will let the person know I'm thinking about them. I will tell the person I’m available to talk. I will take the initiative, and NOT wait for the person to come to me. I will listen to their story. If I do speak, I will have words of support and hope for their future.

"I love to support the cause. My nephew was one of the first people added to the Remembrance Wall. So I come to support recovery, and to remember." - Wendy, Vigil Attendee

Previous Vigil Highlights

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1st Vigil

August 31, 2017
Watch Community Pledge
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2nd Vigil

August 30, 2018
Watch Summary
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3rd Vigil

September 5, 2019
Watch Summary
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4th Vigil (Virtual)

 
Watch Vigil
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5th Vigil

September 2, 2021
Watch Summary
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6th Vigil

September 1, 2022
Watch Summary
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7th Vigil

August 30, 2023

You may watch Ian, Keri, and Nick's testimonials from this Vigil.

Watch Summary
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8th Vigil

August 29th, 2024

You may watch Aidan, Cini, and Ben's testimonials from this Vigil.

Watch Summary

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Monthly Pathway Sessions

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