Unite to Light, a Santa Barbara-based nonprofit dedicated to bringing light to people living without electricity, will celebrate its 15th anniversary and the distribution of 300,000 solar lights.

The Power of Possibility event will be 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5 at San Marcos Courtyard, 1129 State St., Santa Barbara.

Held during Santa Barbara’s First Thursday Art Walk, the free community event will offer an evening of illuminated art installations by local artists, live music, and hands-on creative activities for all ages.

The celebration will honor Unite to Light’s work expanding access to safe, reliable light and recognize the collective impact of bringing light to people around the world, organizers said.

“Founded at UC Santa Barbara in 2010, Unite to Light began with a simple but powerful idea: access to light can change lives,” the organization said.

Over the years, Unite to Light has partnered with communities and organizations around the world to distribute solar lights and chargers to people without reliable access to electricity.

“With 300,000 solar lights distributed across more than 80 countries, Unite to Light continues to demonstrate how a small source of light can open the door to new possibilities,” organizers said.

Access to light can make a difference in numerous ways: It helps students study after dark; supports midwives caring for mothers and newborns in settings without reliable electricity; and provides essential illumination and power to families, healthcare workers, and first responders during emergencies and disasters.

For people experiencing homelessness, a dependable light can also help them stay connected, access information, and navigate everyday challenges.

Through its work in global health, education, disaster response, and homelessness, Unite to Light said it helps create opportunities, strengthen communities, and improve lives.

“The Power of Possibility is a celebration of what we can accomplish when we come together to bring light to people who need it most,” said Megan Birney Rudert, president/CEO of Unite to Light. “Each solar light represents an opportunity for someone to learn, receive essential healthcare, or feel safer and more connected.

“We’re grateful to everyone who has helped make this milestone possible and look forward to continuing this work with our community.”

The first 100 attendees at The Power of Possibility will receive a free Luke Light and have the chance to build a sun attachment.

Guests can contribute to a community art project sponsored by Explore Ecology and learn how access to light supports health, education, safety, and resilience around the world.

The event is free to attend, but for those who would like to make a contribution to Unite to Light’s mission, optional tickets are available for $45 through Oct. 30 and $60 thereafter.

For tickets and information, visit https://unitetolight.org/thepowerofpossibility/.

Tickets include dinner, two drinks featuring selections from House of Beau and Draftsman Aleworks, and access to the VIP area.