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The joint operation pays tribute to COVID-19 frontline workers, those lost and survivors during Musikfest celebrations
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – In honor of those affected by COVID-19, ArtsQuest and New Bethany Ministries are joining forces to present Poppies of Remembrance, Lanterns of Hope, with proceeds benefiting both organizations. Poppies of Remembrance, Lanterns of Hope features small paper bags illuminated by votive candles participants can purchase and set up at home during the last weekend of Musikfest in August.
The lanterns will honor lives touched by the pandemic and can be dedicated to a loved one lost, those still struggling with the virus’ effects or a hero fighting the pandemic on the front lines. Lanterns are available for purchase in sets of 6 for $9 per set.
“Poppies of Remembrance, Lanterns of Hope was created to give us all a moment to pause and collectively remember all those we have lost during this pandemic and to also thank all of those who’ve carried us through these trying times. In order to strengthen our community, it is important that we mourn together, heal together and have hope together,” said ArtsQuest President & CEO, Kassie Hilgert.
During the Poppies of Remembrance, Lanterns of Hope event, Musikfest performers and attendees will be asked to #PauseTheMusik for a moment of silence in recognition of those we have lost during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.
“New Bethany Ministries is proud to partner with ArtsQuest and engage our community in a brilliant display of recollection and respect,” said Marc Rittle, Executive Director of New Bethany Ministries.
Buildings throughout the Lehigh Valley will light up red in collaboration with ArtsQuest and New Bethany Ministries. Confirmed organizations include City Center Allentown, Moravian College, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Blast Furnaces, Nitschmann Middle School and St. Luke’s University Health Network. Additional companies are welcomed to light up red; please contact New Bethany Ministries Development Director Emily Parker at eparker@newbethanyministries.
Those interested in participating in Poppies of Remembrance, Lanterns of Hope can purchase lanterns online via New Bethany Ministries or ArtsQuest’s websites. Donations in lieu of lanterns will be accepted.
Proceeds will help support ArtsQuest’s mission to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences, enriching our community, and New Bethany Ministries’ mission to offer hope and support to those experiencing poverty, hunger and homelessness. Uline has generously donated paper bags for lanterns, not only to support ArtsQuest and New Bethany Ministries in their missions, but to unite our region in remembrance.
Learn more about Poppies of Remembrance, Lanterns of Hope here. For more information about New Bethany Ministries, click here. To learn more about ArtsQuest, visit this link.
About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events.
Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the Banana Factory Arts Center; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, approximately 50 percent of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region. ArtsQuest is a proud member of NIVA, the National Independent Venue Association.
About New Bethany Ministries
New Bethany Ministries, in their 36th year of service to the Lehigh Valley, encompasses programs that provide food support, clothing, referral services, showers, financial management, permanent housing for men and women, wellness services and transitional and permanent housing solutions. Their mission is to offer hope and support to people who experience poverty, hunger and homelessness. NBM believes that all people, regardless of circumstances, should be treated with dignity and care without judgment. No one who seeks help is turned away. To learn more about New Bethany Ministries, find them on Facebook and Twitter @NewBethMin, or visit them on the web at newbethanyministries.org
Information provided to TVL by:
Nicole Harrell, ArtsQuest
Director of Communications
Tina Hasselbusch, Social T Marketing & PR
President
