Members of Newtown Youth Voices took a break from rehearsal last week to respond to the photographs pouring into their Facebook page from kids around the world. In preparing for Within Our Reach, the group’s live-streaming event scheduled for Saturday, June 8, Newtown Youth Voices — the same group of young residents who recorded “My Beautiful Town” earlier this year — has invited kids globally to contribute their artwork giving expression to the event’s simple message of community, hope, and love.

Within Our Reach will include Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary), poet Martin Espada, singer Vaneese Thomas, The Old Town Hall Band (members of Flagpole Radio Cafe), and many special guests. The event will stream live from Newtown Congregational Church from 9 pm until just past midnight, celebrating Newtown’s commitment to fulfilling The Sandy Hook Promise.

Church bells at Trinity Episcopal Church, St Rose of Lima, and Newtown Congregational Church will ring at midnight as hundreds of voices young and old join in the iconic anthem “If I Had A Hammer.”

The National Cathedral, Grace Cathedral, and other places of worship are ringing in support during that weekend.

The event will extend into the first minutes of Children’s Day on June 9, a traditional date for this holiday in many communities. It will emphasize all the simple ways in which transformative change is possible right now in every town and city.

An evening of song and spoken words, “Within Our Reach” will also include artwork and messages of hope received in Newtown from children afar. Renowned thinkers, artists, leaders, and people from all walks of life will offer their perspective as performers and artists celebrate their commitment to fulfilling the Sandy Hook Promise.

Admission event is free, but seating is limited. Doors at Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street, will open at 8:30 for the families, first responders, and any teachers of Sandy Hook School who wish to attend.

After 8:45 doors will open to the general public. Due to the limited seating that will be available at the church, Newtown Lions Club has arranged for a second gathering and viewing area in the gym at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street, where a large screen will carry the live stream. Those attending can bring food and drink to share, and other fun aspects are being coordinated.

For more information including where to find the live stream for Within Our Reach, visit www.withinourreach.us.

The website also includes a special video which includes members of Newtown Youth Voices singing, Pete Seeger reading the Sandy Hook Promise, and children from around the world sharing their artwork and images.