Ben's Lighthouse To Host Back-To-School Ice Cream Social

The following is a release from Ben's Lighthouse.

Ben’s Lighthouse(www.benslighthouse.org), an organization dedicated to supporting and uplifting the children of Newtown in the wake of the December 14 tragedy, is hosting an Ice Cream Social on August 31 from 1:30 to 4:30pm at Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main St, Newtown.

Ferris Acres ice cream will be provided at no charge to attendees.  The ice cream will be served by many of Newtown’s dignitaries and celebrities, including teachers, coaches, town leaders, first responders, clergy, medical professionals, and others.

Newtown Acts of Kindness (www.newtownkindness.org) will be providing free lemonade and lemonade stand kits.  Alongside them will be activities and information booths sponsored by A Bead of Roses, Connecticut Music Therapy, Emerald Sketch Art Therapists, Ben’s Bells and the REACH program.  Some “comfort pets” and Newtown Jugglers are also expected to be on hand.

Ben’s Lighthouse will again display the 20-ft custom lighthouse that was created for this past June’s Lighthouse Festival.  Weather permitting, the lighthouse will be erected on August 25.  “As children go back to school, we want them to know that the goodness and light represented byBen’s Lighthouse is still shining on them,” says Carla Tischio, a Ben’s Lighthouse Planning Committee Co-Chair serving as a lead organizer of the event.  “We have seen already how this simple symbol has come to mean a great deal to Newtown’s kids.”

Intended as a homecoming of sorts after a summer where many families tried to get away for a time, the Ice Cream Social organizers are placing emphasis on the “social” aspect of the event.  “It’s an opportunity to spend a stress-free hour or two with friends and neighbors, and perhaps meet new friends and neighbors,” adds Mary Chamiec-Case, another of the Co-Chairs.

Ben’s Lighthouse was named for Benjamin Wheeler, a 6-year old victim of the December shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School.  Its purpose and mission is to promote the long-term health of Newtown’s young people and families and nurture a culture of non-violence and caring through a series of community building events, workshops, and community service activities.

To lend support to this event or to help endow future Ben’sLighthouse programs, please visit www.benslighthouse.org.  Ben’sLighthouse Fund is a 501(c)(3) restricted fund through Trinity Episcopal Church, Newtown, CT.