SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS
Lynn Jacobson was celebrating herself and others in recovery, while at the same time honoring those who serve them, during the recovery vigil, sponsored by Charlotte Behavioral Health Care, Friday evening at Laishley Park in Punta Gorda.

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS
Born in 1986, Ty Pinney, in recovery since 2003, shows off his tattoo at the recovery vigil.

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS
County Judge John Burns, with the Charlotte County Drug Court Program, speaks to the crowd, opening the recovery vigil event Friday.

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS
As night fell, candles were passed and lit for the vigil’s candlelight ceremony Friday evening under the pavilion at Laishley Park in Punta Gorda.

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS
Clayton Myers played guitar during the opening activities, then the song “Amazing Grace” during the candlelight vigil.

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS
Attendees sang and participated in line dancing to celebrate National Recovery Month.

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS
Claire Torres, in recovery since 2005, speaks to the crowd about the recovery program, ending with, “It works if you work it. You’re worth it, so work it.”

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS
Sheryl Page, Linette Dinhneau and Kyle McAvoy help distribute the volunteer shirts at the vigil.