Their Light Remains
Honoring Lives and Carrying Their Memory Forward.
Overdose & Suicide Awareness + Memorial Event
Monday, August 31, 2026 | 6:00–7:15 PM
Ecker Center, 1845 Grandstand Place, Elgin IL 60123
Join us for an evening of remembrance, reflection, connection, and hope.
Their Light Remains is a free community gathering honoring lives lost to overdose, suicide, and other circumstances connected to mental health or substance use challenges—as well as the families, friends, and communities who carry their memory forward.
Free and open to the community. All are welcome.
Registration is not required, but RSVPs are encouraged to help us plan for seating and refreshments.
An Evening of Remembrance
This year’s gathering will offer a welcoming, reflective experience centered on remembrance, connection, and hope.
The evening will include:
-
Live reflective music
-
A Wall of Remembrance
-
A brief reflection from Ecker Center staff
-
A candlelight tribute and moment of silence
-
Opportunities to share messages of remembrance, encouragement, and hope
-
Information about Ecker Center’s 24/7 crisis services, 988, free Narcan, grief support, recovery resources, and other community services
-
Time to connect with Ecker Center staff and members of the community
Wall of Remembrance
Their names matter. Their stories matter. Their light remains.
The Wall of Remembrance will honor loved ones lost to overdose, suicide, and other circumstances connected to mental health or substance use challenges.
The memorial will be displayed in Ecker Center’s main lobby from August 15 through September 15 and featured during the August 31 gathering.
Guests may also bring a copy of a loved one’s photo and complete a tribute card at the event. Please do not bring an original or irreplaceable photo.
Share a Tribute or Message of Support
Submit a loved one’s name, photo, and brief tribute in advance for inclusion in Ecker Center’s Wall of Remembrance.
Those who have not personally lost a loved one are also welcome to submit a message of encouragement, connection, or hope.
Online submissions are encouraged for guests who would like their tribute prepared before the event.
Tributes and messages are free to submit. A donation is never required.
Whether you contribute to the Wall of Remembrance or spend time viewing the memories shared by others, this space is intended to honor each life with dignity, love, and compassion.
Help Make This Event Possible
Their Light Remains is free and open to the community. Optional donations help provide remembrance materials, candles, printing, event supplies, comfort items, resources, and onsite support.
Every gift, at any amount, helps create a welcoming space where our community can remember, connect, and find hope. Gifts may also be made in memory or in honor of someone special.
Gifts received beyond the cost of this year’s event will support Ecker Center’s ongoing community awareness, prevention, education, and future remembrance efforts.
Make a Gift
What to Know
-
Cost: Free and open to the community.
-
RSVP: Registration is not required, but RSVPs are encouraged to help us plan for seating and refreshments.
-
Parking: Free onsite parking is available.
-
Attire: Casual and comfortable. The gathering is planned outdoors, weather permitting.
-
Accessibility: The Grandstand office is wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking and restrooms.
-
Wall of Remembrance: Submit a tribute online in advance, or bring a copy of a loved one’s photo and complete a tribute card at the event. Please do not bring an original or irreplaceable photo.
-
Candles: Candles will be provided.