An upcoming Butterfly Bridge fundraiser will be lighting the skies of Clanton, as the community releases lanterns and joins in prayer for the children’s advocacy center.

The fundraiser, set for July 23 from 6-8 p.m., will be held at Yellowleaf Creek Mill.

The night’s festivities will include a light meal, painting a lantern, a guest speaker, prayer and a lantern ceremony, in which the lanterns will be released above the mill.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center, a non-profit organization devoted to providing support, resources and healing to victims of child abuse.

Located in Clanton, the organization provides a variety of services for individuals or families suffering from abuse, including counseling sessions, medical evaluations and advocacy services.

“Sending Up Painted Prayers” is the theme of the fundraiser, an idea derived from Yellowleaf Creek Mill owner Kim Elrod’s desire to get involved in the non-profit.

“The more prayers that go up, the better,” Elrod said. “Everyone will paint a lantern, write down a prayer, and then attach it to the lantern. Then we’re going to watch them go up together. It’s going to be really neat.”

Butterfly Bridges Executive Director Jana Zuelzke said there will be several local photographers at the event to take photos of the lanterns and those in attendance.

Beginning with a meal catered by Country Lane Too catering, the evening will include each attendee painting a lantern under the direction of Amy Barnett of Outside the Lines art studio, followed by guest speaker Liz Huntley providing an uplifting message.

The releasing of the lanterns and prayer will conclude the benefit.

Tickets are $20 per person, and children are encouraged to attend but must be accompanied by an adult.

Zuelzke said she hopes to see members of the community come out to support the organization.

“The funds will help us continue helping victims of child abuse in the county,” Zuelzke said. “Because we’re a non-profit, we rely on events like these to provide free services to the children and families that need them.”

According to Zuelzke, the event would not be possible without the help of several sponsors, including: Yellowleaf Creek Mill, Outside the Lines art studio, Solutions Framing and Construction, Parnell Inc., Pinedale Gradens, Farmhouse Café, Country Lane Too catering and The Mule Trader.

“We’ve had a lot of help, and we appreciate people donating money, time, services and advertisement,” Zuelzke said. “It’s going to be an evening of prayer and a very pretty setting. This will be our first time doing this, and we’re excited about it.”

To order tickets or for more information, call Butterfly Bridge at 205-755-4205 or purchase online at www.butterflybridgecac.org.