Andretti Thrill Park Event
A few weeks ago, I attended my first in-person volunteering event for Candlelighters of Brevard, one of Mind of Culture’s partners, and it could not have gone better! This family event was held at our local Andretti Thrill Park, where many of the Candlelighter families came together, wearing their matching Candlelighters shirts, just to relax and have fun. Food and gift cards to play games and ride the rides with were given to the families for free so that they could enjoy themselves without worrying about having the funding for it.
Upon arriving at the event, I was warmly greeted by the Development Manager Carolyn Cook, Director of Family Services Adis Perez, and the Operations Manager Samantha Roualet. I was delighted to meet them all in person after having spoken to them many times over Zoom while working with them as a volunteer over the past year. They were very kind and helped me set up the registration table where I would be for most of the event. At the table, I helped each family sign in while Adis gave them Candlelighters shirts and name tags, and Samantha gave them the gift cards. Here I met many interesting people of all kinds whom I shared a few discussions with. Later on, we all met up at the pavilion where Moe’s was provided for the families and employees. Once everyone arrived, I helped take group pictures of all of the families and employees together. This was one of my favorite moments since I got to see everyone’s beautiful smiling faces!
In the end, I am so very grateful for this wonderful volunteer experience, and I hope to have many more with Candlelighters of Brevard! I had a lot of fun meeting the families and had many great conversations with them. But, above all, my favorite part of the experience was meeting a sweet little boy who was holding his grandpa’s hand. He was timid yet excited to have fun at Andretti and gave me a little wave after I registered him and his family. I really wish to see him and the other families again!
Visit the Candlelighters of Brevard website: https://candlelightersofbrevard.org