Join us for a skylantern festival on June 1st!

The Goonies is one of my favorite movies. I am a true kid at heart. One of my favorite lines in the movie is when Mikey whispers "it all starts here" as they are beginning their trek through the underground tunnel to search for One-Eyed-Willy's rich stuff. His treasure. 

It all starts here. 

Last Summer was one of the most motivating and memorable I've had in a long time. I took chances. I had adventures. And I planned a skylantern festival with friends. 

A small idea that began with "I wonder if we can do this.." that lead to the most amazing thing I have ever laid my eyes on. It was so beautiful. Magic floated through the air. 

At the time of the launch, I hugged my dear friend, Laura. Then I was snuggled cheek to cheek with my son, silently watching the skylanterns drift across the pitch black sky. It still takes my breath away to think of it. 

It's time to do it again. June 1st. At 8pm at Yorkville High School Football Field. I can not wait for more people to experience this event with us. 

Aside from being a beautiful site to see, it's a meaningful event. We raised $4200. for Suicide Prevention Services, a non profit offering services to Kendall County. www.spsamerica.org.

A lot of the focal point of last year was my story of losing my Grandma to suicide. The festival took place the day after my mom's birthday, October 6th. It was meaningful to me and my family. We remembered my Grandma and celebrated life.

This year I pass the baton to my friends Stephanie and Heather as we honor and remember their brother David. More to come on the story of David when they are ready to share. 

We each have our own reasons for being there. Celebrating, remembering, honoring, restoring hope and celebrating life.  

Please join us. I keep telling my family, "it's a mandatory event. You have to see this."

It's a true treasure to see. I think One-Eyed-Willy would approve. 

It's a true delight to see for any "Goonie."

If you are a business looking for a unique sponsor opportunity, please message me at starsofhopefestival@hotmail.com. I have many ideas on promoting your business while raising funds for this important cause. 

Please RSVP on our Facebook page and share this link: https://www.facebook.com/events/146099695576754/146102878909769/?notif_t=plan_mall_activity

There is no cost to attend. The skylanterns are available for $20 each, to be launched the night of the event. Skylanterns are available at: www.starsofhopefestival.com and picked up the night of the event. A limited number of skylanterns will be available for purchase the night of the festival.

Jillian Duchnowski, formerly of the Patch Yorkville summed it up best after last year's event:

"My favorite book of all time is Zora Neal Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God. The title's premise is that some things are so epic, so profound that they disrupt all the human worries like racism or politics or economics and everyone's just watching God. That's what the sky lantern festival was for me. My eyes were watching God. You should go. You should know what that feels like." -Jillian Duchnowski.

Photos and video of last year's event here: 

http://yorkville.patch.com/articles/stars-of-hope-launches-hundreds-of-s...

Join us for a skylantern festival on June 1st, 2013. 8pm-9:30pm at Yorkville High School Football Field (Campbell Field). 800 Game Farm Rd, Yorkville, IL. 60560.

I hope everyone can join us. It's a spectacular event. 

Skylanterns are available for purchase at: www.starsofhopefestival.com and will be available for pick up the night of the event. A limited number of skylanterns will be available at the festival. Skylanterns are $20. Please join us. All proceeds to go Suicide Prevention Services, a local non profit servicing Kendall County.