Western Pa. residents can salute essential workers during 'Illumination Ovation'

Western Pennsylvania residents tonight at 8 can salute essential workers — first responders, grocery store employees, health care providers and others — by switching on lights and standing outside applauding, cheering and banging pots and pans.

The grassroots event dubbed “Illumination Ovation” has roots in the United Kingdom, where residents staged a Clap for Carers event on March 26. Evelyn Castillo of Squirrel Hill, owner of Sterling Events, heard about it from a friend and got busy lining up support for a similar event in Pittsburgh, according to Martin Potoczny, one of the organizers.

The goal is to unite the region during the coronavirus pandemic and show appreciation for all essential workers.

“It just grew very quickly into a movement,” said Potoczny, founder and CEO of LUXE Creative, a Pittsburgh-based event planning and production company. “Unfortunately we don’t know the end to this. The goal is to bring people together to let your neighbors know they’re not alone and to shine a light in the community to the people who are really keeping this together right now.”

People can participate two ways: Turn on lights and cheer at 8 p.m., and post photos and video on Twitter at #lovefrompgh.

“You can turn on a porch light, put out your Christmas decorations, whatever you have,” Potoczny said. “The buy-in is low. You don’t have to leave your house. Tonight you can go out and cheer with your neighbors.”

He was quick to add that people should observe social distancing guidelines.

Organizers have lined up most Pittsburgh buildings, along with the Steelers and Pirates, to help light up the city. They also hope residents across the region will participate by turning on lights at home.

Potoczny said he has several friends participating in North Carolina and in Europe.

“It’s a virtual event to bring us together,” he said. “It’s a tough time, and if there’s anything we can do to brighten someone’s day and bring people together then I think we’ve done our job.”

The planners plan to repeat the event next Tuesday, April 14.

Westmoreland County Commissioner Gina Cerilli has called on county residents to participate in to make Tuesday and next week a regional effort to show support for essential workers.

“If Westmoreland County residents want to join in this, that would be great,” Cerilli said.