The July birthday parties in Rutherford County and Memphis were amazing. Every month brings with it new experiences and new stories to tell of how Candle Wishes is making a difference in the lives of families in need.

One of the single moms in the program, who is expecting another child in a few months, brought her children to the party in Rutherford County. I spent a long time talking to her and I noticed she was beat up pretty bad. I asked her what happened and learned her dad had beat her up and pushed her off their front porch. She had fallen on her stomach and had been to the hospital to monitor the health of the baby. She talked to me about how much she appreciates Candle Wishes helping with her girls’ birthday gifts and their needs. She is struggling to get by, and it would be easy to become cynical about a world that doesn’t care. But, through her involvement with Candle Wishes, she is encouraged that her community is different.

Thank you to 2Cute! of Murfreesboro, Christ Church of Memphis, and the many donors and volunteers who made this month of ministry possible! Churches, businesses, and individuals enable Candle Wishes to live out the gospel by being the hands and feet of Jesus’ compassion for the poor. What an amazing gift, thank you again!

Candle Wishes Memphis Family

Rutherford County Birthday Girl- Danielle

Rutherford County Party

Stones River-Oaklands Kiwanis Club has partnered with the Nashville Predators to raise money for Candle Wishes. Tickets, which are discounted, purchased HERE for the Sunday March 7th game at 2:00 will benefit Candle Wishes, with the Predators donating $10 of each ticket price.

There will also be a silent auction before and during the game at the arena and all proceeds will go to Candle Wishes. Below are just a few of the items that will be up for auction with many more to come.

Please buy your tickets now for the March 7th hockey game HERE and give children in need unforgettable birthdays!

Silent Auction Items

Autographed Predators Gear!

Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears quarterback, autographed football

Bobby Johnson, Vanderbilt Coach, autographed football

Josh Hamilton, MLB Texas Rangers all star outfielder, autographed book Beyond Belief and baseball

Autographed book Rebel With a Cause, by Franklin Graham

Gift Basket from 2Cute

Vera Bradley bag and monogramming gift certificate from 2Cute

Frist Museum Admission Tickets

Dance Murfreesboro lessons

Demos’ gift certificate

P.F. Chang’s certificates

Amerigo gift certificate

Venetian Nail Spa of Green Hills Gift Certificates

Book baskets

More to come!

River Oaks Community Church (ROCC) sponsored the October 2009 birthday party for over 50 birthday children and their families. After a week of rain, we were blessed with sunshine on Sunday Sept. 27th for the party at Old Fort Park in Murfreesboro, TN. ROCC sponsored the party as part of The Church Has Left the Building project. On Sunday, the church didn’t have service but went out into the community to serve and BE the church! Those that volunteered to host the Candle Wishes party did an amazing job. The children had so much fun playing games and getting a sugar high from candy and cake. The birthday kids each had their own cupcake and all blowed out their candles making a birthday wish at the same time.

There was one family at the party that we have been praying for- a single mom who lost her job and has been living at a local motel. I was so excited to see her and hear that her new job is going well, and she was able to move her and the kids out of the motel and into a trailer. 

These families are struggling day to day. It is incredible to be a part of Candle Wishes- providing for the needs of the children,  fulfilling their birthday wishes, and creating memorable birthday experiences. Thank you everyone for your support of the ministry!

-Jenny Williams, Founder and Executive Director

From Left- Reta King, Julie Robinson, Becky Ward, David Nelson, Tiffany Bigham, Nathan Williams, Jenny Williams, and Melanie Shipp (not pictured: Cheryl Hultman, Brian Kidd, Murphy Fair, Renee Delbridge, Justin Ward, Debbie Price, Mickie Dove.

We discussed fundraising and building community partner relationships so that Candle Wishes can continue to grow and expand to reach more families. Melissa Shaeffer will serve as Director of the Candle Wishes Chapter in Memphis launching in 2010! Please pray for Melissa as she meets with churches and businesses about their support of the ministry.

It’s so exciting to be a part of this ministry, loving every minute of making a difference in the lives of children and actively helping our neighbors in need. God has truly blessed Candle Wishes with volunteers and donors who have a passion for the ministry. We look forward to the next year and what the Lord has planned for us in the future!

Jenny Williams, Candle Wishes, Founder and Executive Director