Sarasota Chapter of Compassionate Friends 1st Annual “Loved Ones Remembered” Walk and Balloon Release to Honor Memories of Children

Sarasota, FL, October 14, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Bereaved families mourning the death of a child will have a special day walking event and balloon release to honor the memory of their child. We are inviting all to join us October 18, 2008 at Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Rd. in Sarasota the third Saturday in October. The Sarasota City Commissioner, Kelly M. Kirschner will speak at the event. The Sarasota Chapter is part of the Compassionate Friends worldwide organization that invites people to join their Candle Lighting and Walking events annually. Last year nearly 450 services were held in the U.S. including all 50 states plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. Additionally, services were held in 23 states outside the U.S making us believe we are the world's largest mass candle lighting.

Everyone is invited by the Sarasota Compassionate Friends Chapter to participate in the first annual Walk and Balloon release, being held on Saturday, October 18th at the Twin Lakes Park located in Sarasota, FL. The walk and balloon release is to honor the memory of children who have died, regardless of age or cause of death. The walk begins at 9 a.m. and activities to follow will last until 1 p.m. In addition to the days activities there will be live entertainment and door prizes will be raffled off.

Sarasota City Commissioner Kelly M. Kirschner will speak at the event and the live performances will be ongoing which include the Shriner Clowns and the Booker High School band, “Impromptu.” Refreshments and snacks will be available for all attending.

Nikki Oldaker, President of Show Biz East Productions has been supporting this worthy organization with Public Relations and by contributing the chapter's website.

All participates will receive a t-shirt to keep to wear for the walk that has the Compassionate friends logo and sponsor names printed on it. The cost to participate in the walk is a $20 donation which can be paid that day at the park.

Contact Vivian Kehrer - 941-365-4230 for more information or visit their website at: http://compassionatefriends.homestead.com/mission.html to download and print event form.

"We hope to watch this event grow every year as well as participation in other events throughout the year,” says Vivian Kehrer, Sarasota’s Chapter Leader, “Last year the Compassionate Friends was joined in observance of the Worldwide Candle Lighting by chapters from several national organizations including Twinless Twins, MADD, Parents of Murdered Children, MISS, and BPUSA.

For more information, call Vivian at: 941-365-4230 or Nikki at ShowBizEast - 727-812-8905

###