A Community Candle Lighting Ceremony, as part of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, was held Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 6:30 pm at the South Hutchinson Community Center, 101 West Avenue C, and was open to the public.

This year's theme was "KINSHIP, Connecting & Healing." KINSHIP is a call to action to recognize that shared humanity should be at the center of supporting all survivors and victims of crime. The event was sponsored by the Reno County District Attorney's Office, Horizons Mental Health Child Advocacy Center, and BrightHouse.

Thomas Stanton, Reno County District Attorney, opened the event with Sarah McReynolds, Victim-Witness Coordinator. 

This year's Speaker was Jessica Kelly with the Hutchinson Police Department, introduced by her father Clay Rothe, a Retired Lieutenant with the Hutchinson Police Dept.

Sue Wray, Executive Director of BrightHouse, Inc., shared her personal story and spoke about resources that are available. BrightHouse is a nonprofit agency providing free, confidential, non judgmental, 24/7 support to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, stalking, and human trafficking in Reno, Rice, Kingman, and Harper counties.

Guests were given the opportunity to light a candle in memory of a loved one, then select a cup of sand for themselves. As they poured the sand into the vase, they were asked to remember a memory that brings them joy, a memory that makes them smile. To think of each grain of sand as being someone that has impacted their lives in a positive way. To think about a loved one that has passed, but one that your continue to hold in your heart. And to think about the strength of victims that is required to become survivors.

Andrew Davidson, Deputy Reno County District Attorney, closed the evening with a prayer. 

Thank you to all who came out to commemorate their loved ones or strengthen themselves as survivors, knowing you are not alone.