Giving Tuesday

November 28, 2022

Leaves fall, campfires crackle, and our Central Texas air finally arrives to a crisp retreat from warmer months. We gather and settle into the season of gratitude. Fall is a wonderful time of reflection, a time to give thanks for the abundance of the year; and at Candlelight Ranch we have so much to be thankful for. Through a bounty of volunteers, sponsors, donors and partnerships with local non-profits, schools, and Family Day programming the children and families of the ranch have grown closer together and found healing respite in nature. We are thankful for the ability to give 13,000 hours of direct programming, breaking barriers, and giving equal opportunity to those of all backgrounds and abilities to enjoy quality time in the outdoors. Because of the generosity of our sponsors, and commitment of our volunteers, Candlelight Ranch has served over 1,700 individuals this year, ensuring that anyone, despite financial status or physical ability, receives access to the healing benefits that time spent in nature provides.

We give thanks for all who make our mission possible, the safe healing space the ranch offers to those who visit and celebrate the beauty and peace nature provides. This Fall also brought a time of festivity! Inviting individuals with special needs, youth at-risk, military personal and their families to enjoy the cool air and to spend meaningful time together. Those attending Fall Festivals joined in classic fun-filled activities like hayrides, making scarecrows, painting pumpkins, and took in the scenery with hot apple cider. Other activities including ziplines, rock wall climbing, archery, and horses were also provided as an opportunity to grow in self-confidence and connection to nature. In addition to our Fall Festivals, Military personnel and their families found respite in nature through our Military Family Days sponsored by Paralyzed Veterans of America – Texas Chapter and a three-day teambuilding retreat for the Texas Military Department, sponsored by the Garrison Brothers Distillery’s – Good Bourbon for a Good Cause. Our mission is possible because of the incredible individuals who make the work of Candlelight Ranch possible, thank you to all who brought joy this season to those who needed it most!