September Party Update

Just a quick note to let you know that our party last night went very well! The kids enjoyed shopping with their tickets to make up their own goody bags. Everyone loved playing Bingo, making crafts and scarecrow cookies, too.

A special thanks to all of the Caring Candles volunteers who came to help out to make everything run smoothly!

August Party Update

Last night's party was a great success! All six birthday kids had a great time and LOVED their presents, balloons and badges -- all of the extra things we do to help make the birthday kids feel extra special! We also got to work with new people from Hope House for the first time --- it was a very positive exchange all around. One of the new changes is that all of the moms and kids wore name tags, which was very helpful for us. We look forward to working with all of them to make the parties even better for the kids and our volunteers.

July Party Update

Just a quick note to let you know that we had a "whale" of a good time last night at our sea-themed birthday party! Special thanks to all of our volunteers who came to decorate, play and help with crafts, cake and clean-up. You're the best!

June Party Update

Wow! What a wild night: we started with a monsoon and it didn't let up from there--we stayed very busy all evening. Everyone seemed to have a good time, as usual, and that's what counts! A special thanks to all of the Caring Candles volunteers who braved flooded roads and soggy shoes to come out and party with us!

A few words from Hope House...

Here is a letter we received from Hope House last year:

"The children and mothers at Hope House are very grateful for the parties brought to our facility by the Caring Candles ministry at Wesley. Many of our children had never experienced a party especially for children. They have come from environments where children are just supposed to stay out of the way. They are in awe of all the trouble these folks have gone to to bring them joy. Every party has been a hit with special crafts and foods. We even had a fabulous magician one time! [now it's been twice ;] The children and mothers were entranced by the magic -- they still talk about it.

"Our children are very special to us, of course. They've come to us from homes where their lives were full of uncertainty and the adults unpredictable. We provide a safe, supportive environment where children can reach their full potential. We've watched children who have never spoken start talking. We've watched babies who were developmentally delayed catch up and surpass the normal expectations. We had one little boy recently tell his mother that there are no monsters at Hope House like there were at his old house. He told her he's in a safe place now.

"That's our goal. We want all the children to feel that Hope House is a safe place with adults they can trust. The people who come from Wesley are great role models for that. Thank you for letting our children know how special they are, and that it can be fun to be a kid."

May 2010 Party Update

Wow! What a night of magic and fun! As usual, Magic Mike was the consummate showman, even with his microphone on the fritz. He delighted and surprised even the most skeptical audience members. As is often the case for the kids who come to Hope House, there is an absence of positive male role models in their lives. We are happy that Magic Mike could bring such joy to them while he was there.

Special thanks to all of the volunteers who helped with last night's party. Thank you so much! Last night could not have happened without your help.

There are several birthdays coming up for the kids at Hope House over the next few months, so there will be lots of fun to come!!

April 2010 Party Update

The Garden Party at Hope House was a very fun and happy event, even more so because of you! The kids seemed to really enjoy playing Musical Lily Pads and Foot Volleyball, planting their own "grassheads" and making handprint flowers on the two paper murals. The fresh veggies, dip, cheese, crackers and dirt cakes were a big hit, too! The especially loved the worms ;)

A special thanks to our volunteers for coming to the prep meeting, making snacks, purchasing items, and/or helping out at the party!!

March 2010 Party Update

A big special thank you to the Me, My Spouse & God Sunday School class for planning and preparing last night's party. A special thanks to Sarah W. for coordinating everything with her group. More thanks go to Joanne, Phyllis and our newest Caring Candles volunteer (who is also part of the MMS&G) Lisa. Thank you for taking the time to come and help with all of the carnival games, craft and food! The birthday kids felt extra special with the personalized banners, gorgeous cake, name candles and little mementos just for them. THANK YOU!!

For April, I am confirming that there are no birthdays next month. It's always changing, so that's why we'll be prepared to do something fun. We will tentatively plan the party for 4/28, unless I hear otherwise.

Thank you again for all of your love and support--we get it back one thousand-fold in all of those big smiles at Hope House!

February 2010 Party Update

A very special evening that the kids and their moms will remember for a long time. A big thank you to all of our fabulous volunteers for helping tonight and to those who came last week to prepare tonight's craft; it really helped! We would also like to give a really big round of applause to the Praise Band -- we were all truly impressed with the generosity of time and talent they shared with us this evening. What a gift!

Please stay tuned for March party details as they become available.

January 2010 Party Update

Wow! What a fun evening!! I think the birthday girl had a blast! A special thank you to all of the volunteers who came over on Monday night to prep for tonight's festivities--we were well prepared! And, a big thank you to all of the volunteers who came tonight to help with everything at Hope House and for your generous donations of cake and gifts. You guys rock!!

As of yet, there are no February birthdays, so we will plan something fun. I will confirm a date with Hope House and get back to you with that info.

Thanks again for all of your efforts!!

December Party Update

BIG Wesley Hugs to Lara Reeves and her Sisters from the Omicron Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa for sponsoring and hosting the December Caring Candles birthday party at Hope House. You made a little boy's birthday dreams come true! Thank you for your generosity and warm spirits!

November Party Update

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving party at Hope House this evening. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all of our volunteers who came tonight and other volunteers who donated their time (cutting paper turkey parts) and (culinary) talents to help us get things ready. The kids and moms were very appreciative for everything Caring Candles did for them tonight--there were lots of laughs and smiles all around.

When I am sitting around the Thanksgiving table at my aunt and uncle's house in Pennsylvania next Thursday, I will be saying a special prayer of thanks for everything you have done to help grow this Wesley ministry. It could not be done without you!! For this, I am very grateful.