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
1st Vigil
2nd Vigil
3rd Vigil
4th Vigil (Virtual)
5th Vigil
