By Sandy Meyer
An upcoming family-friendly Halloween event will make a difference in the lives of children suffering with cancer that will take place at O’Brien’s Irish Pub in Brandon on Saturday, October 31.
Brandon resident Kim Schildknecht is holding a Halloween Bash at O’Brien’s from 1-7 p.m. to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The day will consist of an afternoon of fun which includes face painting, games, raffles and 50/50 drawings. Games include ring toss, scavenger hunt and trivia. The event is free to the public and includes a costume contest for both children and adults. Tickets can be purchased during the event to participate in the games and raffles.
Schildknect, also known as “The Candle Lady,” began her fundraising career several years ago when she was living in Kentucky. She was selling candles as a hobby when she met a woman who had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
“She asked me if I’d sell the candles for a fundraiser and I did,” she said. Thus began her new calling in life, to help raise funds for charitable causes.
The St. Jude’s fundraiser is Schildknect’s third fundraising event and is going to be bigger than past events.
“My dream and goal is to make this bigger and bigger every year and get corporate sponsorships,” she shared. “I’m only a raindrop in an ocean donating to St. Jude’s, but local people like me donate a large portion of their funding.”
Her 16-year-old niece, Ruth Ann Frazier of Valrico, will be assisting her during the event and has been a steady part of her fundraising efforts for the last few years. Schildknect is very proud to have passed on her love of charity to her niece.
Many area businesses have joined the cause by donating services and items to be used as prizes for the many raffles that will take place at the Halloween Bash. To learn more about the event and for a list of participating businesses, visit www.facebook.com/KimTheCandleLady.
O’Brien’s Pub will also be donating a portion of the sales during the event to St. Jude’s. It is located at 701 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon.
