Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation celebrates

Nearly 500 guests arrived on the red carpet at the World Market Center June 6 to celebrate an “Evening of Hope,” an epicurean-style fundraiser for the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada.

The foundation provides support services to 300 families a year, including children and youths from birth to age 21. The event took place in the 16th-floor ballroom overlooking downtown Las Vegas, amid a Candlelighters Children’s Art Gallery, with photography and art for sale.

The evening featured a silent and live auction, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and samples of desserts and entrees. The “Top of the World” dish was a home run with its bacon-wrapped peppadew with four-cheese and all-chili ponzu sauce, lobster bisque and cream brulee with strawberries.

The bidding war intensified for Stratosphere’s Top of the World restaurant chef Rick Giffen when he offered dinner for 12 as the prize. Things got so competitive that Giffen decided to prepare a private dinner for both the winners, who tied bids of $2,400 each. In all, the event raised $100,000.

Fifteen restaurants volunteered time and provided cuisine, including Capital Grille, Culinary Creations, Dom DeMarco’s, DW Bistro, Hash House a Go Go, Rollin Smoke BBQ, Mundo and Paymon’s Mediterranean Grill, among others. Wirtz Beverage was the alcohol sponsor. Centennial Toyota was the “diamond” sponsor.

As the lights shone brightly outside, there were plenty of smiles that lit up the room inside, especially “Ray of Hope” honorees. Fourteen-year-old Zoe, 5-year-old Ryan and 13-year-old Karon, all Candlelighters beneficiaries, were recognized for their courage, strength and hope exhibited throughout the challenges of their life with cancer.

“The moment the doctor said ‘cancer,’ I lost it. I had no clue what I needed,” said DeShawn McCorley, Karon’s mother. Candlelighters provide a variety of resources and services that included transportation, counseling, and $3,000 stipends to each family.

Frankie and Shelene Hennagir’s son, 5-year-old Aiden, lost an eye to cancer. Candlelighters helped them with gas, food, expenses and transportation to Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles where Aiden received an artificial eye.

“They invite us to events, regularly, like Monster Truck, provide free tickets to hockey games, camp and fun things that keep my son excited,” Frankie said. “It’s incredible the amount of help we got.”

Candlelighters’ success is largely because of sponsors such as Southwest Gas.

Laura Hobbs, officer in charge of the Fuel for Life Employee Giving Campaign of Southwest Gas, accepted the Candlelighters Founder Award on behalf of Southwest Gas employees who generated more than $100,000 for charity.

“We could not enjoy the success we have without volunteers,” said Rick McGough, chairman of the event.

Executive Director Melissa Cipriano agreed, adding, “Volunteers are a major part of Candlelighters.”

Don Jean, founder and owner of BRANDHAUS Creative, received the Volunteer of the Year Award. Jean, a board member and a volunteer camp director, has donated more than $300,000 in in-kind services, including designs and artwork for Candlelighters’ branding campaigns.

“You don’t always have the time, but you have the heart,” Jean said.

Live entertainment was provided by the DJ C101 and John Colombo. Several of the Candlelighters children also performed.

Among the guests were Hannah Brook, Kelly Webb, Danielle Mungo, Alicia Avance, Jami Schopp, John Hester, Chuck Buchanan, Jackie York, and Southwest Gas representatives Mariliese Horsewood, Aila Romero, Sonya Headen and Justin Brown.