Night of Hope Sunday

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Beth Profeta, right, listens to a vigil for Waterbury resident William Smolinski Jr., who has been missing for 10 years. The vigil on the Naugatuck Town Green last year was dedicated to missing persons. Profeta's mother, Mary Baderacco, is also missing. –RA ARCHIVE
Beth Profeta, right, listens to a vigil for Waterbury resident William Smolinski Jr., who has been missing for 10 years. The vigil on the Naugatuck Town Green last year was dedicated to missing persons. Profeta’s mother, Mary Baderacco, is also missing. –RA ARCHIVE

NAUGATUCK — A “Night of Hope” will be held Sunday evening to raise awareness on the issue of missing persons.

The event was started as a candle light vigil by William and Janice Smolinski for their son, Billy Smolinski, who has been missing since Aug. 24, 2004. He was living in Waterbury at the time. This Sunday is the 10th anniversary of the day Billy Smolinski went missing.

The event is still held in honor of Billy Smolinski. But, it has grown over the years and Aug. 24 is now considered the official Connecticut Missing Persons Day.

The Night of Hope will be on the Town Green on Church Street from 6 to 8 p.m. The event, which is open to the public, will feature a candlelight vigil and butterfly release. The families of missing persons are encouraged to attend and can bring a table to set up a display for their missing loved one.