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09/24/2021 12:00 AMA Little Compassion, Inc. (ALC) is presenting its third annual Water Lantern Celebration, taking place at Plattwood Park in Deep River, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on its rain date of Sunday, Sept. 26. The celebration’s theme is “Light the Way for People of All Abilities.” This year’s event will again be hosted by Sarah Cody, WTNH Channel 8 News reporter and anchor.
Water Lantern Celebration is a family friendly community event. Participants each receive a lantern to decorate. When launched, the 400 lanterns floating on Plattwood Pond create a moving display of compassion and hope. The lanterns are often adorned with pictures, poems, personal greetings and even scribbles or finger paintings. The event aims to lift-up and honor those in our communities who interact with the world uniquely and are valued and loved by many. Note: All lanterns float on the water and do not become airborne. They are also safely retrieved and completely recycled after the event.
To ensure the Nest community is safe and comfortable, this year’s Water Lantern Celebration has been moved to a fully live-streamed event. The hand-decorated lanterns will still float on the pond at Plattwood Park. Participants will pick up their lanterns at The Nest Coffee House, decorate them at home, and drop their finished lanterns off safely at a Plattwood Park on Sept. 26 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The live stream begins at 6:30 p.m.
At drop-off, all participants receive a Water Lantern Watch Party Bag full of snacks, activities, and a coupon to use at The Nest. Then head home, curl up on the couch, and watch the event unfold live. The live stream will also include interviews and performances by local young adults and community members showcasing their talents and their connection to our mission of inclusion, acceptance, diversity and positive change.
The event is a fundraiser for ALC, a non-profit organization with a mission to change the lives of young adults with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities or neurodiversity by creating employment and social opportunities as well as increasing awareness and acceptance of those of all abilities.
Employment opportunities are offered at ALC’s flagship program, The Nest Coffee House. Social gatherings ranging from arts and crafts, anime, Jackbox TV, trivia, Express your Stress, and more are offered both in person and online. For more information, visit www.thenestcoffeehouse.org. The Nest opened in May 2019 on Main Street in Deep River and provides a welcoming, safe, and purposeful space for everyone to enjoy.
Visit our website for further information at www.alittlecompassion.org or call The Nest Coffee House at 860-322-8090