JUNE 2018 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 29
FOR HOMELESS KIDS: CANDLES OF HOPE
By KARLY EBERLY
Confetti, banners, and stacks of
presents wrapped with care are
a birthday dream come true for
children everywhere, but for homeless
kids across Long Island, this dream
was often elusive — until now.
Through the help of the nonprofit
Candles For Hope (CFH), this
dream is becoming a reality for
children in LI’s shelters. Founded by
Exit Realty Achieve, CFH members
collaborate with parents and local
shelters to anonymously provide
birthday parties for displaced
children.
“We are looking at this as an
opportunity to really bring hope
into the life of a child,” says Susan
Hamblen, owner of Exit Realty
Achieve and founder of CFH.
“Our hope is to provide normalcy
and just a sense of joy to a child. A
birthday party should be a time to
celebrate and we want to bring that
celebration to a child’s life.”
Gift suggestions always come
directly from parents, ensuring
that each child receives presents
reflective of their own unique
interests. In keeping with the times,
CFH reports their most requested
gift item of late is a tablet.
“CFH has the same mission in
life that I do , which is helping
people,” says Jason Furnari, party
coordinator for CFH. “Every day,
when I get a phone call to book
those parties for these children, I get
a smile on my face and I can’t wait to
hear the stories that they have.”
The nonprofit achieves its goal
through annual fundraisers and
donations, such as its most recent
event in March at the Stonebridge
Country Club in Smithtown that
raised more than $51,000. With
the sponsorship of Exit Realty and
the community’s avid support,
CFH has formed connections with
communities beyond LI.
Jeff Mistretta, vice president and cofounder
CFH can continue to give the gift
of hope to homeless children across
the nation.
“It’s in my heart that Candles for
Hope will one day be across this
entire country in every single
state, possibly in every single town,
impacting all children who are
either in a displaced environment
or currently experiencing
homelessness,” he says.
For more information or to make a
donation, visit candlesforhope.org
Come in to shop our new collections and
share memories with our knowledgeable
friendly staff and expert jeweler.
Our store will remain open, even
while the mall is being renovated.
– Esther Fortunoff
PRESS BUSINESS
of Candles For Hope, hopes
The nonprofit makes wishes come
true by throwing birthday parties
for children in local homeless
shelters.
FORTUNOFF, THE SOURCE • 1500 OLD COUNTRY ROAD, WESTBURY • 516-222-7879
800.FORTUNOFF (636.7886) • For store hours and information visit FortunoffJewelry.com. Closed Mondays.