There was so much fun to be had at our first ever Family Day on April 20!

What was Family Day? A Candlelighters celebration of epic proportions open to all Candlelighters families, new and old. The only complaint we heard? It was too short!

Family Day took place on the beautiful grounds of local nonprofit Elijah’s Heart House in Wilsonville. They generously opened their property and event space to over 150 Candlelighters. Their beautiful barn had enough room for 40 plus families to enjoy a catered buffet lunch, a DJ and “cookie walk” (like a cake walk but with cookies), a craft table, a face painting station and a little “store” area with beautiful sweatshirts and tees donated by Ford & Wyatt.

Outside, kids of all ages enjoyed miniature donkeys from Fruitland Creek Farms, a bouncy house courtesy of Wolf Dental, games, sno cones, popcorn and princesses from A Moment of Magic.

Not to be forgotten – an essential – gloriously clean and modern porta potties by Mountain View Luxury Restrooms.

We packed in so much fun, and left with full stomachs, sno cone stained hands, painted faces by our own Sierra, and new “legendary” tees and sweatshirts. Most importantly, new and old friends connected, and life with childhood cancer felt brighter and hopeful because of a community commitment to local families. Thank you to all who came and all the supporters who made this possible, including Lindsay Renae Photography for the beautiful photos, #pnwiconicevents and DJ Fletcher for the fun and danceable music.

If you would like to support future family activities for Candlelighters families we’d love to hear from you! Email Salena.

When you give to Candlelighters, your gift goes directly to programs for local families with childhood cancer. Donations fund practical support, like emergency financial support, gas cards, in-hospital meals, and scholarships.

A donation also provides ways for families to connect with each other and other families through family camp, support groups, a youth group, and family activities.