More than 100 people gathered outside Wiscasset Community Center in frigid temperatures Dec. 20 to honor a small child few of them had ever met.

Kendall Chick, 4, was allegedly murdered by her grandfather’s fiancee, Shawna Gatto, on Dec. 8. According to police, the autopsy found other injuries to the child prior to the fatal ones on that day. Many speakers at the vigil begged people to speak up if they know of a child being abused.

Bonnie Lane said she knew Kendall because the child often came into the Family Dollar, where Lane works. She said Kendall would show her if she was wearing a pair of Minnie Mouse socks, or a shirt.

Lane arranged for a bouquet of Minnie Mouse balloons to be released before the candles were lit.

The vigil, organized by Wiscasset mother Erica Sherman, drew many first responders and many other attendees. Rev. Joshua Fitterling of Wiscasset’s First Congregational Church offered a homily.

“The loss of Kendall’s light causes us pain, sadness, and anger,” Fitterling said. “It happened as the darkest night of the year approaches. But the sun will come again. Light will overcome darkness.”

Sherman said she was moved to do something because she is the mother of two little girls. They  were with her at the vigil.

The crowd formed a ring around the circular driveway. As the candles were lit, a bright circle of more than 100 points of golden light formed.