FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Robbie LeBlanc
               (239) 622-7910

EIGHTH ANNUAL CANDLELIGHT VIGIL FOR THE HOMELESS

FORT MYERS, Fla. (December 15, 2004) - More than 20 people died homeless in Lee County this past year of varying causes. They will be remembered Sunday evening, December 19, 2004, at the Eighth Annual Candlelight Vigil for the Homeless. The vigil will be held at Centennial Park beginning at 6:00 p.m. A luminary candle will be lit for each person. The vigil will also call for hope and compassion for the many homeless people who remain on the streets.

This year's vigil is also held in memory of Annette M. Wahlers, 48, a tireless friend of the homeless in Lee County, who passed away on June 21, 2004. Annette was a nurse for the Salvation Army's Outreach program for the past 5 years.

The Candlelight Vigil is sponsored by the organizations from Lee County's Homeless Continuum of Care. These include Lee County Department of Human Services, The Salvation Army, Ruth Cooper Center, Hope Hospice, Veterans' Services, Southwest Florida Addictions Services, Abuse, Counseling and Treatment Center, Family Health Centers, Renaissance Manor, Department of Children and Families, Lee County School Board and the Garden Foundation.