BY MELANIE BUCK –
Remembering Hearts Forever will host their annual Candle Lighting Ceremony on December 11th at 5:30 p.m. at the Union Bank of Mena Community Room. The local group observes the day in memory of their lost loved ones as a part of a worldwide candle lighting. Remembering Hearts Forever is a group of families that have lost a child, grandchild, or a sibling, of any age, any cause.
“We will light a candle and say our child’s name,” explained Diane Mathis, who heads up the group. “Bring your family and friends to share this remembrance with us. After the lighting we will stay and visit with others that understand.”
They also have a slide show of their lost loved ones and Mathis encourages members to submit their pictures by December 5th. “We will need their name and dates with the pictures. Even if you can’t make the lighting, please get me a picture so all the others can see your child. We never want them forgotten.”
They will have finger foods at the candle lighting and Diane asks participants to please bring their favorite dish to share.
They are also currently selling raffle tickets for a bronze statue that will be drawn for at the candle lighting. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5 or 25 for $20. The statue is a boy and girl playing leapfrog and stands almost two feet tall. Tickets can be purchased from Rosanna Youngblood at 479-394-6392; Charie Mabry at 479-216-6057; Lisa Masters at 479-216-6632; or Diane Mathis at 479-243-0191. They are also available at Union Bank, Freedom Water, and The Shop.
The raffle proceeds will benefit their Memorial Garden, located on the courthouse lawn. Plaques are placed there in memory of lost loved ones. If you would like to have a plaque placed, or for general information, contact Diane at 479-243-0191.
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
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