Candlelighters of Brevard Inc

Candlelighters of Brevard, Inc. is a non-profit organization offering emotional support and financial assistance to children with cancer and their families in Brevard and Indian River counties. We are dedicated to the children we serve and the families that support them. We know that in addition to the shock of diagnosis and treatment, there is a tremendous financial burden, an endless amount of travel, and an overwhelming emotional impact. A parent should never have to choose between being with their child when they need them the most or paying their bills. Too many families are weighed down by financial burdens at the worst time of their lives, as they try to save their child’s life. Candlelighters is committed to ensuring that our local children and their families have the support and resources they need in order to fight back.

The organizational strategy is direct operational execution of delivering the critical programs / services needed by our current Candlelighter families via financial support. The executive staff provides monthly checks to each COB family in the amount needed for the services/programs used. The forms take into account the number of clinic visits, in-patient stays, transportation costs, prescription drug purchase receipts, etc. The staff preforms follow-up calls to hospitals and social workers to verify family forms in order to protect donation dollars spent on these programs. The organizational and financial strategies are overseen by the board of directors.

The staff and board create, plan and executive on the organization’s SGP (Strategic Growth Plan) and goals each year. Our funding sources include but are not limited to the following: Community, corporate and private donations; fundraising events and initiatives; grants; resale shop; endowments; planned giving; investments; in-kind support; memorials; crowdfunding and social media; and more

In 2020, Candlelighters was able weather the impact of the global hardship faced by everyone. Candlelighters was strategic in working with our donors in being able to fully fund all of our programs and services. Additionally we were able to send support checks to help alleviate the added financial burden our clients suffered due to COVID. Candlelighters welcomed a higher and than usual 20 new clients in 2020, as we normal average 12-15 annually. We strive to continue providing programming for nearly 80 families battling pediatric cancer in Brevard and Indian River Counties.