South Broad Street lit blue Through mail, email, social media, city banners, SEPTA advertisements, radio spots and a television commercial, people were encouraged to give hope to sick children and their families, and to honor the brave and beautiful kids we’ve lost.

The Season of Light was visibly manifested at a kickoff event outside Philadelphia’s City Hall. People held electric candles as CHOP President and CEO Madeline Bell, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and patient families addressed the crowd with heartfelt emotion. Then the attendees’ candles and the buildings lining South Broad Street — along with other landmarks across the city, including the Cira Centre, Boathouse Row and the Ben Franklin Bridge — were lit in CHOP’s signature blue.

Nearly 1,000 people “shared their light” by sending messages of compassion to patients, and thousands gave gifts totaling more than $950,000. The 2016 campaign aims to again inspire widespread community support for CHOP kids throughout the holiday season.