Tonight's Longest Night Memorial Service Remembers Those Who Died Homeless in 2012

“The Longest Night” memorial service to remember individuals who died homeless in 2012 will be held tonight—the first day of winter and the longest night of the year. The ecumenical service will begin at 4 p.m. at The Centenary United Methodist Church (1610 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63103). During the service, the names of those who have died homeless in 2012 will be read, and candles will be lit in their honor. Often, this is the only chance to remember and celebrate friends and family who died without homes. A complimentary dinner will follow in the church's downstairs dining room.

Places for People Associate Executive Director Dr. Gary Morse will be one of the speakers at the event.

"No one in America should have to live without a home and certainly no one should have to die homeless, and yet sadly each year brings the premature and often tragic deaths a number of homeless people in St. Louis. The Longest Night event is an opportunity to remember and celebrate the lives of these citizens as well as a calling to redouble our efforts to end homelessness," Morse said.

Other speakers at the event include Father Ed Murphy of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Rabbi Susan Talve of Central Reform Congregation, and Imam Muhamed Hasic of Islamic Community Center. There will also be an honor guard presentation to salute veterans who died homeless in 2012.

The event, which has been held since 2004, is provided by The Bridge, Places for People, the St. Louis City Continuum of Care and St. Louis County Department of Homeless Services.

Friends of Places for People Trivia Bowl

Q: What will you be doing February 2, 2013?
A: Playing in the Friends of Places for People Trivia Bowl!

The Friends of Places for People Trivia Bowl will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2013. This “Super Night of General Knowledge Trivia” will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Soulard. All proceeds benefit Places for People.

The maximum size for a team is 10. Smaller groups and individuals are welcome to play – we will help you find a table. Registration is $25 per player or $250 for a full table of 10. Free beer and wine will be available. Bring your own food and snacks. (No glass bottles, please.)

We are offering an early bird special for a full table. Pay only $200 for a full table of 10 by registering and paying by January, 11, 2013.

Click here to download a PDF of the Trivia Bowl registration brochure.

You will have the opportunity to purchase mulligans before the first round. Teams can also earn up to five free mulligans by bringing in pocket foods to be donated to Places for People. Four pocket food items = one free mulligan. Places for People uses “pocket foods” as part of its outreach effort to people who are homeless and have a serious and persistent mental illness.

There will also be a silent auction, 50/50 drawing and two contests.

Sponsorship opportunities are available.

• Event Sponsor - $1,000
  (Name and logo on event signage, our web page and all promotional materials. One (1) team of 10.)
• Halftime Show Sponsor - $500
  (Sponsor our halftime show. Name and logo on event signage, our web page and all promotional materials. One (1) team of 10.)
• Contest Sponsor - $250
  (Sponsor one of our two contests. Name on event signage and promotional materials, and read before and after contest.)
• Round Sponsor - $100 (Sponsor a round of trivia. Name and logo will appear on answer sheets and PowerPoint display.)

Click here to learn more about Trivia Bowl on our website.

To register or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Chris at cstalter@placesforpeople.org or call (314) 535-2310. Pay for your registration and/or sponsorship by December 31 for 2012 tax deduction purposes.