July 5, 2006 > Candle Lighters, giving back to the community

by Olga L. Stockman

A group of women, looking for a way to contribute to their community, formed the Candle Lighters in 1969. Since then, they've raised more than $1.5 million for Fremont, Newark and Union City organizations.

Known for their annual fundraiser, the Ghost House at the Chadbourne Carriage House in the Fremont Hub, this dedicated group of 130 volunteers holds a Proposal Luncheon every year to hear and consider requests for organizations seeking funding for specific projects. At a later date, members will vote to establish a priority of needs which the group will fund with profits from this year's October Ghost House.

The eight organizations requesting funds this year are: HERS Breast Cancer Foundation; Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum; Friends for Ash Street Community Enrichment; Child Abuse Prevention Agency; Friends of Children with Special Needs; Pacific Locomotive Association; City of Fremont's Senior Center; and Irvington High School Art Magnet Program.

For more information on becoming a Candle Lighter or submitting a proposal, call (510) 796-0595 or send an email to info@thecandlelighters.com. You can also visit their Web site at www.candlelighters.com.