CANDLE Hosts Mini-Golf Fundraiser at Germonds Park

Community Awareness Network for a Drug-Free Life and Environment (CANDLE) hosted its third annual mini-golf event Friday evening at Germonds Park.  Participants played mini-golf, took part in raffles and giveaways and ate food barbecued by CANDLE staff.

“This event is really a fun raiser,” said Joanne Goodman, the Executive Director of CANDLE.  “Not a fundraiser. Sometimes you just need to go out and have fun.  And if we make a little money, that’s great.  We’ve had a great turnout; we’ve been giving out goody bags to everybody just to say thank you for showing up.”

CANDLE was founded in 1982 as a non-profit organization that aimed to prevent drugs, violence and bullying among youth.  They use many techniques to get their message across, including empowerment retreats, after-school peer connection programs and conflict resolution sessions.  All of the proceeds will go to CANDLE’s drug and violence prevention programs. 

“That’s what we do; we go to the schools, we talk to the community about making good decisions, trying to get kids not to participate in risky behavior, whether it’s drinking under the influence, smoking or anything else,” Goodman said.

The programs reach throughout the county.  Goodman said CANDLE runs prevention activity in nearly every school district, including the Nanuet, Clarkstown and Orangetown school districts.

“We have programs where kids can come and talk to a professional about issues that might be of concern, whether it’s drugs, family problems, school problems, communication problems,” she said.  “It’s nice to be able to talk to somebody who’s not your parent, and not necessarily somebody who is your school person.  And we’re not. We’re outside the school.”

Goodman said she was grateful for the prizes that local businesses donated because of the tough times non-profits are going through as a result of a weak economy.  Businesses that donated included Starbucks in New City, La Terrazza, New City Bowl, Napoli Pizza, Nicky’s Pizza, 5 de Mayo and Video Magic.

Adults and children from around the county attended the event to support CANDLE and enjoy the comfortable weather.

“It’s a great cause,” said Barbara Mihalczo.  “CANDLE presents great programs to schools.”

CANDLE board members barbecued hot dogs and hamburgers for participants.  It was the first time in the event’s three years of existence that it did not rain.

“This is the first time that the weather agreed with us,” said Tina Vaccarelli of CANDLE.  “We are so happy that it was a beautiful day.”