Ben’s Lighthouse, an organization dedicated to supporting and uplifting the children of Newtown in the wake of 12/14, will host an ice cream social on Saturday, August 31, from 1:30 to 4:30 pm. The event will be at Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main Street in Newtown.

Ferris Acres ice cream will be provided at no charge to attendees. The ice cream will be served by many of Newtown’s dignitaries and celebrities, including teachers, coaches, town leaders, first responders, clergy, medical professionals, and others.

Newtown Acts of Kindness will be providing free lemonade and lemonade stand kits. Alongside them will be activities and information booths sponsored by A Bead of Roses, Connecticut Music Therapy, Emerald Sketch Art Therapists, Ben’s Bells and the REACH program.

Comfort pets and members of Newtown Juggling & Circus Arts Club are also expected to be on hand.

Ben’s Lighthouse will again display the 20-ft custom lighthouse that was created for this past June’s Lighthouse Festival. Weather permitting, the lighthouse will return to church grounds on August 25.

“As children go back to school, we want them to know that the goodness and light represented by Ben’s Lighthouse is still shining on them,” says Carla Tischio, a Ben’s Lighthouse Planning Committee co-chair serving as a lead organizer of the event. “We have seen already how this simple symbol has come to mean a great deal to Newtown’s kids.”

Intended as a homecoming of sorts after a summer where many families tried to get away for a time, the Ice Cream Social organizers are placing emphasis on the “social” aspect of the event.

“It’s an opportunity to spend a stress-free hour or two with friends and neighbors, and perhaps meet new friends and neighbors,” adds Mary Chamiec-Case, another co-chair.

Ben’s Lighthouse was named for Benjamin Wheeler, a 6-year old victim of the December shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Its purpose and mission is to promote the long-term health of Newtown’s young people and families and nurture a culture of non-violence and caring through a series of community building events, workshops, and community service activities.

To lend support to this event or to help endow future Ben’s Lighthouse programs, visit www.benslighthouse.org. Ben’s Lighthouse Fund is a 501(c)(3) restricted fund through Trinity Episcopal Church.