Have-A-Heart Extravaganza Benefits Cancer Patients

By Space Coast Daily // February 11, 2014

CANDLELIGHTERS OF BREVARD SIGNATURE FUNDRAISER

ABOVE VIDEO: Carrie Wam-McCarthy, Executive Director of Candlelighters of Brevard, talks about the 12th annual “Have-A-Heart” Valentine’s extravaganza.

BREVARD COUNTY • INDIAN HARBOR BEACH, FLORIDA – In support of children with cancer, and their families, hundreds of supporters turned out for the Candlelighters of Brevard 12th annual “Have-A-Heart” Valentine’s extravaganza.

From Left to Right: Kim Downs (center) with her daughters Shelby Downs (left) and Audrey Downs (right). Kim Downs and her husband Tom hosted the Sponsorship Reception for the Have-a-Heart Extravaganza. — LEFT TO RIGHT: Kim Downs, center, with her daughters Shelby Downs, left and Audrey Downs, right. Kim Downs and her husband Tom hosted the Sponsorship Reception for the Have-a-Heart Extravaganza.

The annual dinner and auction fundraiser supports Candlelighters of Brevard, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children with cancer and their families by offering emotional support and financial assistance.

“We have had incredible success with our sponsors and incredible support from new sponsors this year,” said Carrie Wam-McCarthy, Executive Director of Candlelighters of Brevard.

“We are so grateful going into tonight’s event. This is our 12th annual Extravaganza. Candlelighters is off to a good start this year, and we are very happy to have a sold-out event.”

SEE HAVE-A-HEART EXTRAVAGANZA SNAPSHOTS BELOW

More than enthusiastic 400 supporters attended the annual event, which was held at Eau Gallie Yacht Club.

A LIGHT OF HOPE FOR KIDS WITH CANCER: From economic assistance to emotional encouragement, Candlelighters of Brevard helps families survive the extreme physical, psychological and practical hardships of this disease. (Candlelighters image)

“This organization has been around since 1990,” said Brendan McCarthy, president of Candlelighter’s Board of Directors.

“It’s wonderful to see so many people here tonight. We are helping so many families here in Brevard County whose children are battling cancer.”

The event featured a live auction, a silent auction and many generous sponsors – including a drawing for a 2014 Hyundai Sonata, which was once again donated by the Brevard County Hyundai dealers.

“As a result of everyone’s generosity, last year we raised over $193,800 to help carry out the mission of Candlelighter’s, and provide financial support to local families whose children have been diagnosed with cancer,” said Tracey Latshaw, a member of the Board of Directors.

Sponsors for the Have-a-Heart Extravaganza included Cumulus Media, Inc., Maverick Multimedia, Inc., Brevard County Hyundai Dealers, Essentials Spa & Salon, Brevard Executive Limousines, Jessup’s of Melbourne and many more local companies.

ABOVE VIDEO: Brendan McCarthy of Candlelighters of Brevard offers an update on the growth of the organization, and the success of the 2014 signature fundraiser, the “Have-a-Heart” Valentine’s Extravaganza.

For more information visit CandlelightersOfBrevard.org or call 321-728-5600.