Join us March 4, 2026 at Capitol Theatre for Tennessee Missing Children’s Day. Free admission, children’s fingerprinting, vigil & more. RSVP today!
Tennessee Missing Children’s Day 2026
Honoring 25 Years Since Bethany’s Disappearance
Honoring. Educating. Never Forgetting.
March 4, 2026 | 6:00 PM
Capitol Theatre | Lebanon, TN
FREE ADMISSION | ALL WELCOME
Thank You to Our Partners & Sponsors
This event is made possible by the generous support of our community partners and sponsors.
Interested in sponsoring? Learn more about partnership opportunities →
An Evening of Remembrance, Education & Hope
Join The Bethany Markowski Foundation for our signature annual event honoring missing children, supporting families, and educating our community on child safety.
This year marks 25 years since Bethany Markowski went missing. We gather not in despair, but in determination—determined to support families, educate communities, and ensure no child is forgotten.
Whether you’ve attended for years or this is your first time, you’re welcome here. Bring your family, bring your friends, and be part of a community that refuses to give up hope.
Event Information
DATE & TIME
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Doors Open: 5:30 PM
Program Begins: 6:00 PM
Event Ends: Approximately 8:00 PM
LOCATION
The Capitol Theatre
110 W Main St, Lebanon, TN 37087
ADMISSION
FREE – No tickets required, but RSVP appreciated for planning purposes
PARKING
Capitol Theatre has free parking next to their building. Additional parking is available across the street.
Handicap-accessible parking available
Loading/unloading at side entrance
ACCESSIBILITY
Wheelchair accessible venue
Handicap ramp at the side entrance
Accessible seating available
Please contact us in advance for special accommodations
What to Expect
5:30 PM – DOORS OPEN
- Free children’s fingerprinting (ages 1-17)
- Silent auction browsing
- Information tables
- Light refreshments available for purchase at concessions (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
6:00 PM – PROGRAM BEGINS
- Opening prayer
- Welcome and foundation introduction
- Bethany’s story – Jonnie Carter shares her daughter’s journey
- Visual presentation – 25 years of vigils, searches, and community
- Guest speakers (TBD – check back for updates)
- Information about our programs and mission
- Silent auction winners
7:00 PM – CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
- Honoring all missing children
- Moment of silence
- Community reflection
7:30 PM – CLOSING
- Closing prayer
- Final announcements
- Thank you to sponsors and volunteers
8:00 PM – EVENT ENDS
*Schedule subject to change
After the event, guests are welcome to join us for a casual after-event gathering at a nearby restaurant venue (TBD) to continue the conversation and connect with Jonnie and the Bethany Markowski Foundation family.
Free Services & Activities
FREE CHILDREN’S FINGERPRINTING
Bring your children (ages 1-17) to get their fingerprints on file—a simple step that could make all the difference in an emergency. Our trained volunteers will help you complete a full fingerprint card to take home.
What to bring: Just your child! We provide all materials.
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (before and during program)
CHILD SAFETY RESOURCES
Pick up free educational materials about:
- Talking to your kids about safety
- Creating a family emergency plan
- Recognizing warning signs
- What to do if a child goes missing
CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
Join us in honoring missing children across Tennessee and the nation. Flameless candles provided for safety.
SILENT AUCTION
Support our programs by bidding on donated items. All proceeds benefit families of missing children and child safety education.
CONNECT WITH COMMUNITY
Meet families, volunteers, sponsors, and community members who share our commitment to child safety and supporting families.
This Event is For You If…
✓ You’re a parent who wants to learn more about child safety
✓ You’ve been touched by a missing child case
✓ You want to support families facing unimaginable circumstances
✓ You’re looking for ways to give back to your community
✓ You believe every child matters
✓ You’ve followed Bethany’s story over the years
✓ You’re interested in volunteering or getting involved
✓ You want to teach your children about community service
Families welcome. All ages invited. Free admission.
Reserve Your Spot
While admission is free and no ticket is required to attend, we appreciate RSVPs to help us plan for seating, materials, and refreshments.
Join our Facebook event to get updates and reminders
Receive a digital ticket with event details and calendar reminder
Can’t make it? You can still support our mission:
Make a donation | Become a sponsor
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a ticket to attend?
A: No! Admission is completely free. However, we encourage RSVPs through Facebook or Eventbrite so we can plan appropriately for seating and materials.
Q: Is this event appropriate for children?
A: Absolutely! This is a family-friendly event. We especially encourage parents to bring their children for free fingerprinting and safety education. The candlelight vigil is a meaningful experience for children to learn about community and compassion.
Q: What should I bring?
A: Just yourself and your family! We provide flameless candles for the vigil, fingerprinting materials, and all necessary supplies. You may want to bring:
- Cash for raffle tickets and silent auction
- Cash for concessions (optional)
- Comfortable clothing
- Tissues (it can be emotional)
Q: Can I volunteer at the event?
A: Yes! We need volunteers for set-up, tear-down, fingerprinting stations, information tables, and more. Sign up here.
Q: Will there be food available?
A: The Capitol Theatre will have concessions available for purchase (candy, drinks, popcorn, etc.). We recommend eating dinner before arriving (or meet us afterwards on the square for dinner), as this is primarily a program/vigil event.
Q: Is the venue accessible?
A: Yes! Capitol Theatre has a handicap entrance, accessible seating, and accessible restrooms. Contact us in advance if you need specific accommodations.
Q: What if the weather is bad?
A: The event is indoors, so the weather won’t affect the program. In the unlikely event of severe weather or venue emergency, we’ll post updates on our Facebook page.
Q: Can I make a donation at the event?
A: Yes! We’ll have donation stations accepting cash, checks, and cards (via Square). You can also donate online anytime.
Q: Will the event be recorded or live-streamed?
A: We plan to record portions of the event for our archives and future awareness campaigns. If you prefer not to be filmed, please let our volunteers know. We are exploring live-streaming options—check our social media for updates.
Q: How can my business become a sponsor?
A: We’d love to partner with you! View sponsorship opportunities or email sponsor@findbethany.org.
Q: I have a missing loved one. Can you help?
A: Yes. Please reach out to us at team@findbethany.org or speak with us at the event. We provide resources, guidance, and support for families.
Volunteer Opportunities
We need 5-10 volunteers to help make this event a success!
Roles available:
- Event set-up (3:00-6:00 PM)
- Welcome table & check-in
- Children’s fingerprinting assistance
- Information table
- Raffle & silent auction coordination
- Event tear-down (8:30-9:00 PM)
Benefits:
- Volunteer t-shirt
- Refreshments during your shift
- Meaningful community service
- Supporting families and children
About the Venue
The Capitol Theatre
110 W Main St, Lebanon, TN 37087
Originally opened on December 9, 1949, the Capitol Theatre is a historic venue in the heart of downtown Lebanon. The 240-seat theatre provides an intimate setting for our community gathering.
Venue Features:
- 240-seat capacity
- Stage with projector and sound system
- Concessions available
- Handicap accessible
- Free parking on Lebanon Square and beside the theatre
- Climate controlled
- Beautiful historic architecture
View Capitol Theatre website
Get directions via Google Maps
Why March 4th?
On March 4, 2001, eleven-year-old Bethany Leanne Markowski disappeared. For 25 years, her family has searched for answers while learning what other families need when facing this nightmare.
This annual event honors Bethany’s memory and ensures that missing children are never forgotten. It’s a night of remembrance, yes—but also of action, education, and hope.
Read Bethany’s full story →
Learn about our foundation →
Spread the Word
Help us reach more families and community members by sharing this event!
Download & Share:
Questions About the Event?
We’re here to help! Contact us:
Email: team@findbethany.org
Phone: (615) 784-3287
Facebook: Message us on our page
Mail: P.O Box coming soon
Related Information
- Our Mission & Programs
- Sponsorship Opportunities
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Donate to Support Our Work
- Bethany’s Story
- Child Safety Resources
See You March 4th
Mark your calendar, invite your friends and family, and join us for an evening of hope, healing, and community.
Together, we honor missing children. Together, we support families. Together, we create safer communities.
The Bethany Markowski Foundation, Inc.
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization | EIN: 41-2321010