SIOUX FALLS, S.D. —The Sioux Falls community will gather tonight, August 31, at 8:00 p.m., at the River Greenway Amphitheater beneath the Arc of Dreams to observe International Overdose Awareness Day. The candlelight vigil, organized by Emily’s Hope in partnership with other community organizations, will honor lives lost to overdose, support survivors, and raise awareness about the crisis.
The evening will feature several speakers and personal stories, including a powerful poem read by Sul Dibba, and a story shared by Leah Flyten and Angie Eastman in memory of Sheila Eastman. Mike Keller of the Helpline Center will discuss 988 substance use-specific calls and available resources. Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum, along with Sheriff Josh Phillips, will also share remarks during the program. The vigil will be emceed by Angela Kennecke, founder of Emily’s Hope.
During the vigil, we will read aloud the names of those we have lost to overdose and fentanyl poisoning as we honor and remember their lives. Fifty-four empty shoes will be displayed as a visual memorial to the 54 lives lost to overdose in just the Sioux Falls area since January 1, 2025.
As a symbol of remembrance and hope, the Arc of Dreams will be illuminated purple, the international color of overdose awareness.
📅 Monday, August 31, 2026
🕗 8:00 p.m.
📍 River Greenway Amphitheater, beneath the Arc of Dreams, Sioux Falls
This community event is free and open to everyone. Emily’s Hope invites community members to join together in remembering the lives lost, standing with those affected by overdose, and bringing hope to those who are still here.
About Emily’s Hope
Emily’s Hope is a nonprofit working to eliminate the stigma surrounding substance use disorder and save lives through evidence-informed education, compassionate support, and financial assistance for recovery. Founded by award-winning journalist Angela Kennecke after the overdose death of her daughter Emily, the organization offers a K-12 prevention curriculum used nationwide, the Grieving Out Loud podcast, naloxone distribution, a Post-Overdose Response Team, and treatment scholarships. Learn more at emilyshope.charity.
For additional media information, please visit emilyshope.charity/media.