A community coming together to celebrate our unstoppable patients
If you notice a lot of lights and sirens in downtown Richmond on Thursday night, know it’s cause for celebration – not concern. More than 70 first responder vehicles from throughout the state will participate in “goodnight lights,” circling the Children’s Tower with sirens on and lights flashing to show young patients that their community is cheering them on.
The event will mark the third birthday of the Children’s Tower, a 16-story completely kid-focused home for inpatient, emergency and Level I trauma care. The first goodnight lights took place on the tower’s opening night – April 30, 2023 – to wish patients goodnight in their new hospital rooms. Since then, it’s been an annual tradition, making hospital stays brighter in spectacular fashion for children and their families.
Patients will receive goodie bags with flashlights and glowsticks to wave back at the first responders on the street below.
“It’s an honor to coordinate the annual goodnight lights celebration. The excitement our EMS, fire, police and sheriff partners share about returning each year to see the glowing flashlights and happy faces at the windows is a powerful reminder of the connection we share as a community,” said Greg Neiman, director of EMS outreach at VCU Health.
2026 Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU goodnight lights details
WHAT:
Children’s Tower goodnight lights event
WHEN:
Thursday, April 30, 2026
8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
WHERE:
Children’s Tower
1001 E. Marshall Street, Richmond, Va. 23219
WHO:
Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU patients, their families, hospital team members, VCU Police, and first responders from City of Richmond, along with Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, Goochland and New Kent counties… and more
Community members are welcome to participate in the event
Pedestrians will gather at the corner of 10th and Marshall streets to smile and wave up to patients in the Children’s Tower.
This year’s goodnight lights celebration is presented by DPR Construction.