17 Minutes of Silence . . .

May 2, 2008 |

Discover how loud 17 minutes of silence can be.

Why 17 minutes? There are 1,000 seconds in 17 minutes. 1,000 represents the estimated number of homeless children in Marion County Schools. And those 1,000 students represent thousands of other children living at or below the poverty line – many in less than desirable living conditions. Every week hundreds of students enjoy their last meal on Friday during lunch at school. They will not know the taste of their next meal until the free breakfast served at their school the following Monday morning.

Take a stand for these children by becoming one of 1,000 neighbors who will represent each child in need by standing in silence for 17 minutes on the Downtown Square at 2 p.m. on May 18th. Participants will receive a t-shirt to help raise awareness in our community. Bring nothing. Not even your wallet. There will be no speeches. 17 minutes is all it takes.

Visit www.restoreocala.org for more details and to sign up to be a part of the demonstration.