During a visit to New York City, did you ever look up at the Empire State Building and wonder why it seems to change colors so often?  Well, the color selection is not decided at random.  In fact, it’s very intentional and the color usually commemorates a special day or occasion.  Organizations need to apply for the lighting and the process takes some time.

Today you will notice that the building has been lit up blue.  This is to celebrate World Arthritis Day, which is a 15-year old global effort designed to increase awareness about the many forms of arthritis which affect over 50 million Americans, and get everyone involved in reducing the impact of the disease.  As an extension of our Fight Arthritis Pain PSA campaign, we’re joining the Arthritis Foundation to encourage all Americans to “move to improve,” meaning get active by walking, biking, playing tennis, or whatever you enjoy, to reduce your risk for osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis).

Here’s the application you need to submit in order to be considered.  It helps if you have celebrities involved and you’re planning other high profile activities and promotion around the event:

http://www.esbnyc.com/documents/ESB_LP_Questionnaire_FINAL.pdf

And below is a calendar where you can see the types of events that are selected for the lighting.  They feature everything from Halloween to Columbus Day, a walk to end Alzheimer’s and the upcoming 10^th anniversary of the Broadway show Mamma Mia on the 18^th of October!

http://www.esbnyc.com/current_events_tower_lights.asp

if you have something that you think is lighting worthy, go apply!