Published:  May 17, 2023

Have you lost a loved one and would like to participate in a ceremony honoring this person or pet?

Each year at Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care (KCH), we join with the community to honor the lives of those who are no longer with us. Circle of Lights is a beloved tradition at Kansas City Hospice. This interfaith ceremony of remembrance always incorporates the lighting of candles, and is scheduled on the Tuesday before Memorial Day. The annual Circle of Lights event gives the families in our community the opportunity to honor loved ones who have died, which is an important step in the grieving process – giving comfort and strength to these families. 

This year, Circle of Lights will be held on Tuesday May 23, 2023 at 8 pm at the fountain in Mill Creek Park at the Country Club Plaza at 47th Street & Mill Creek Pkwy, Kansas City, MO. Please check our website and social media platforms for information regarding plans in case of inclement weather. 

This event began as a way for the many caregivers on our staff to remember those they cared for, while bringing comfort to the families who lost someone dear to them. From there it grew into a community event, open to everyone who wishes to remember, celebrate the lives of their loved ones, and find hope for the future. Over the years, it has grown from a few luminaries to more than a thousand twinkling lights of comfort and healing.

This event is free to the community and during this night of remembrance the program will include live performing artists – both painters and musicians, and messages and stories of hope and remembrance. During this event you will see nurses, aides, doctors, social workers, grief support specialists, and chaplains interspersed with people of every age and background from our community sharing their stories of loss, reflecting on their grief, and embracing loved ones in support. 

By coming together to hold one another in care and community, we bear witness to the grief of others and find more compassion for ourselves and those around us. Supporting and being supported by others expressing grief helps us understand that we are not alone. By connecting as a community we can begin healing, individually and collectively.

We hope you will join us and would like to extend an offer to light a virtual candle for your loved one and request your luminary online by Friday May 19th. Light a virtual candle and request a luminary to be lit at the event, online at KCHospice.org/WeRemember. Any funds raised from the event support Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care and the many programs that support the community.

If you’re unable to participate in this year’s Circle of Lights event but would still like to support the cause – join jewelry designer Kendra Scott in supporting Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care! Your purchase of the perfect piece of jewelry for you or your loved ones will result in 20% of all sales over the phone and at The Country Club Plaza store will benefit KCH all day on May 23.

In addition, Kendra Scott is hosting a special reception immediately prior to Circle of Lights. This shopping event will take place from 5 – 7 pm on Tuesday May 23 and is located at Kendra Scott at The Country Club Plaza, 412 Nichols Road, KCMO. No-contact purchases can be made by calling 816.448.8323 or shop online Tuesday May 23 and Wednesday May 24 using code GIVEBACK-DRYUX at checkout. While you’re at the store or shopping online, ask about the special Kansas City Hospice pendant, pictured below.