Candlelighters of Brevard Recognizes Nelson Family, Brevard Hyundai Employees During Special Reception
By Space Coast Daily // June 21, 2018
Has donated more than $680,000 in financial, in-kind and time support
Candlelighters Of Brevard 2016 from Jerrod Cordell on Vimeo.
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BREVARD COUNTY • INDIALANTIC, FLORIDA – Candlelighters of Brevard Inc. recently hosted an Appreciation Dedication Reception in honor of the Nelson family and the Brevard County Hyundai Dealers.
The event, held at Candlelighters’ office in Indialantic, was attended by close friends and family of the Nelsons, employees of the Brevard County Hyundai Dealers, the Candlelighers’ staff and members of its board of directors, and community leaders.
Bruce Jr. and Therese Nelson of the Brevard County Hyundai Dealers have been longtime supporters of Candlelighters, an organization that provides financial assistance and support services for children with cancer.
The children and their families must travel out of the area to be treated because there are no practicing pediatric oncologists in Brevard County. The Brevard County Hyundai Dealers’ “Car Care Program” provides repair services and automotive parts for the vehicles the families use to travel with their children to the treatment centers.
In the past 12 years, more than 172 families have been enrolled in the program, according to Candlelighters. Currently, there are more than 75 active Candlelighter families.
The Nelsons and the dealership have made significant contributions over the past 20 years in support of the organization, including the in-kind donation of a new Hyundai car for an annual Candlelighter fundraiser and items for the Candlelighter Resale Shop.
Employees of the Brevard County Hyundai Dealers have also made monthly donations to Candlelighters.
“Candlelighters’ board and staff find it imperative for our organization to appreciate all sponsors and donors, but when you have a part of your family that donates more than $680,000 in financial, in-kind and time support, you take the time to thank and celebrate them for all they have done,” said Natasha Duran, executive director of Candlelighters.
“Light is defined as the radiance or illumination from a particular source. The Nelson family and the dealership family of BCHD have been a source of radiance and illumination for the families of Candlelighters, to the organization as a whole and to each of us — as close family and friends ourselves.”
At the event, the Candlelighters board of directors and executive staff unveiled the “Tree of Light,” dedicated to the Nelson family and Brevard County Hyundai Dealers.
The plaque reads: “Candlelighters of Brevard dedicates this Tree of Light to Brevard County Hyundai Dealers on this day — April 5, 2018. The Nelson family along with the employees of Brevard County Hyundai Dealers have donated over $500,000 to Candlelighters of Brevard during the 20 years of service to the organization.”
It continues, “Their financial, in-kind and volunteer support provides a light of hope to all Candlelighter families during a time of darkness and despair. Their legacy of love and generosity is inspired by their late father and husband, Bruce Nelson Sr., who taught the family and the dealership about the importance of giving to others. The Cherry Blossom tree is a symbol of the fragility and beauty of life. The dealership family planted the seed nearly two decades ago that has now blossomed into this ‘Tree of Light’ for our entire community.”
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