WEST SPRINGFIELD – For over a decade, the CHD Cancer House of Hope has hosted the annual Light the Night for Hope Luminaria to honor those whose lives have been affected by cancer. On Nov. 15, the fundraiser event will return to the Green at Storrowton Village on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition.

The luminaria will feature hundreds of luminary bags lit and placed along the paths of the Storrowton Village Green to provide a heartwarming tribute to those who have battled cancer. Attendants purchase bags and each one is pre-printed with the name of the person they are dedicating the bag to and whom it is dedicated from. Each bag is $5 and all proceeds are donated to the CHD Cancer House of Hope.

Joe Kane, Director of the CHD Cancer House of Hope, shared why he feels the event is special. “It’s a really beautiful and touching event. We’ve had people coming to it for years, whether they are celebrating their own triumph or remembering someone who has passed away. It’s an opportunity for us to hold an event that pays tribute to the strength and resilience of people fighting cancer.”

The CHD Cancer House of Hope is community funded. The Light the Night for Hope Luminaria is one of two annual fundraisers hosted by the house. Cancer House of Hope offers free services and therapies to people with cancer and their loved ones. Annually, CHD Cancer House of Hope serves over 350 members of the community.

Volunteers set up the bags and light the candles before the event begins. Volunteers try their best to place each bag in alphabetical order, making it easier to find each one. Kane shared that there has been as many as 1000 candles illuminating the property during past events.

The evening will include refreshments such as hot chocolate and cider. The Holyoke High School Madrigal Singers will perform. There will also be a brief speaking program featuring West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt.

Sponsors for the event include Advanced Restoration Group in Easthampton, Westfield Bank, Spherion Staffing, Liberty Mutual, Bearingstar Insurance, Northwestern Mutual, Comcast Business and Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

To dedicate a luminaria bag, please call 733-1858 or visit the CHD Cancer House of Hope website at chd.org/luminaria.