On May 7, 2025, the heart of Danvers will shine a little brighter—and a little more purple—as the community gathers for the annual Light The Night Purple event. Hosted by DanversCARES, a program of Danvers Public Schools, this deeply meaningful evening serves as a celebration of recovery, a rally against stigma, and a powerful reminder that no one walks the path of healing alone.
From 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., the Rotary Pavilion at the Peabody Institute Library in Danvers will transform into a space of unity and purpose. With games, activity stations, music, heartfelt speeches, and a candlelit walk through town, Light The Night Purple is more than an event—it’s a beacon of hope.
What Is Light The Night Purple?
Light The Night Purple is more than just an event—it’s a powerful community-wide initiative dedicated to raising awareness around substance use prevention, increasing access to treatment resources, and celebrating the resilience of those on the journey of recovery. It’s a moment for the Danvers community and beyond to come together in unity, reflection, and hope, honoring individuals and families impacted by addiction.
Held annually, this meaningful event brings people of all backgrounds together to show support for those affected by substance use disorders (SUD) and to spotlight the importance of prevention, education, and collective healing. It’s also a time to challenge the stigma that too often surrounds addiction and mental health, replacing it with compassion, connection, and community support.
A Night of Healing, Connection, and Hope
Light The Night Purple 2025 will take place on Wednesday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the Rotary Pavilion at the Peabody Institute Library in Danvers. The evening is open to everyone and completely free to attend. Guests will enjoy complimentary purple t-shirts while supplies last, symbolizing solidarity with the cause and unity in the fight against addiction.
The event kicks off with a welcoming community gathering on the library lawn, featuring:
- Games and activity stations for all ages
- Educational resource tables from local mental health and recovery organizations
- Snacks and refreshments
- A chance to connect with others in a supportive, relaxed environment
At 7:00 p.m., the heart of the event begins—a 1-mile community walk through the streets of Danvers. This walk is a symbolic journey, representing the shared path toward healing and recovery. Whether you walk in honor of a loved one, in support of a friend, or as part of your own recovery journey, this walk sends a powerful message: no one walks alone.
The walk route winds through Elm Street, High Street, Danvers Square, and the Rail Trail along Hobart Street, before returning to the library. It’s a scenic path filled with meaning and intention, giving participants space to reflect, remember, and unite.
When the walk concludes around 7:30 p.m., attendees will gather once more for uplifting speeches, soulful songs, and personal stories of resilience. Finally, at 8:00 p.m., the evening culminates in a beautiful luminary lighting ceremony, as the community comes together to literally and figuratively “light the night purple.”
Why Light The Night Purple Matters
Substance use disorder (SUD) touches individuals and families in every community. No one is immune to its impact. But events like Light The Night Purple offer more than awareness—they offer hope. They shine a light on the possibilities of recovery, promote access to treatment, and foster understanding across generations.
At its core, Light The Night Purple is about breaking down barriers and building a culture of empathy, connection, and proactive support. It serves as a beacon for those who feel isolated or unsure where to turn, and as a rallying point for those already advocating for change.
The event is hosted by DanversCARES, a coalition under the umbrella of the Danvers Public Schools. DanversCARES is committed to positive youth development, social-emotional learning, and substance use prevention. Their work strengthens families and the broader Danvers community by promoting education, healthy choices, and compassionate collaboration.
Insight Recovery: Supporting the Journey Every Step of the Way
This year, Insight Recovery Treatment Center is proud to participate in Light The Night Purple, standing side by side with community members and fellow advocates. Located in Winchester, Insight Recovery provides a full continuum of care for individuals facing addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.
At Insight Recovery, recovery is never viewed as one-size-fits-all. Instead, their treatment philosophy is rooted in individualized, evidence-based, and holistic care. Their services are designed to meet people where they are—whether they’re just beginning their journey or looking to strengthen their foundation.
Programs include:
- Day Treatment Program: For those who need a high level of care without residential treatment, offering full-day therapy and recovery services.
- Half Day Treatment Program: Ideal for those balancing recovery with work, school, or caregiving responsibilities.
- Evening Treatment Program: Evening sessions make recovery more accessible for working individuals or those with daytime commitments.
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment: For individuals experiencing both substance use and mental health disorders, Insight provides integrated, collaborative treatment.
- Addiction-Specific Tracks: Specialized care for individuals struggling with alcohol, opioids, cocaine, prescription drugs, and benzodiazepines.
Their presence at Light The Night Purple demonstrates their deep investment in the community and their commitment to spreading the message that recovery is possible—and it’s something worth celebrating.
A Community United for Recovery
Perhaps the most inspiring part of Light The Night Purple is its inclusivity. Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, working in mental health or prevention, or simply showing up to be a part of positive change, you are welcome. You matter. And your presence helps build a stronger, more compassionate Danvers.
By walking together, listening together, and lighting the night purple together, the community is creating a visible symbol of solidarity and hope. These shared experiences remind us all that recovery is not a solitary pursuit—it is strengthened by the people who walk beside us.
So mark your calendars for May 7, wear your purple proudly, and join Insight Recovery and DanversCARES in making a powerful statement: Recovery is real. Recovery is happening. And recovery is worth celebrating.
If you’d like to host a resource table or have questions about the event, email danverscares@danvers.org.
To donate, visit GiveButter.
Location:
Rotary Pavilion at the Peabody Institute Library
15 Sylvan Street, Danvers, MA 01923
Parking available at the adjacent Town Hall lot
Let’s come together and light the way forward—for recovery, for community, and for hope. 💜
How to Get Involved
Everyone is welcome to participate, and there are many ways to support the event:
- Attend in person to show your support and walk in solidarity.
- Host a resource table to provide information on relevant services or programs. Interested groups can email danverscares@danvers.org.
- Make a donation to support ongoing substance use prevention efforts via the official GiveButter page: https://givebutter.com/WRzMoD
Whether you attend, donate, or simply spread the word, your involvement makes a difference.
A Night of Healing and Hope
As the final candles are lit and the lawn glows with a sea of purple, attendees will leave with more than just memories—they’ll leave with renewed purpose. Light The Night Purple is about celebrating victories, no matter how small, and reaffirming the belief that recovery is possible for everyone.
Insight Recovery is proud to stand with the Danvers community and to play an active role in events that foster healing and unity. Just as the evening promises to light up the night, Insight’s mission is to light the way forward for individuals and families impacted by addiction.
We invite you to be part of this powerful evening. Join us on May 7, 2025, and help us Light the Night Purple—for hope, for healing, and for each other.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Rotary Pavilion at the Peabody Institute Library, 15 Sylvan St, Danvers, MA 01923
Contact: danverscares@danvers.org
