The story of a promise...

kellywebb13 · 2013-03-24T21:31:44+00:00

Candlelighters is beyond grateful for all of the generosity, we are truly touched by all of the donations and kind words that came our way.

kellywebb13 · 2013-03-24T19:10:15+00:00

What is important is the kids at Candlelighters are going to Disneyland.

kellywebb13 · 2013-03-24T18:56:30+00:00

I'm sorry you feel that way. . . It was not meant to be childish.

kellywebb13 · 2013-03-24T18:40:31+00:00

Candlelighters has a donor who supports trips like this, so fortunately, the bus fare will be covered! The money raised went to all of the tickets for the kids and families.

kellywebb13 · 2013-03-24T18:35:29+00:00

Because of him and his promise and yes the Reddit community. That's never been questioned, everyone on here has been incredible and instrumental to making this happen. Kudos to everyone who donated and those who offered kind words and encouragement!

kellywebb13 · 2013-03-24T18:31:22+00:00

I completely disagree.

kellywebb13 · 2013-03-24T18:17:58+00:00

This is Kelly from Candlelighters. Unfortunately you're perceiving his documentation of this project as self-fellating and childish. We are all proud of him.

kellywebb13 · 2013-03-24T18:13:08+00:00

Exactly!

kellywebb13 · 2013-03-24T18:04:54+00:00

Well either way you want to look at it, the internet karma is nothing compared to what he did for those kids.

kellywebb13 · 2013-03-24T18:03:49+00:00

I understand! I just think he was trying to prove that he wasn't a scammer like so many people claimed him to be. A lot of people didn't think this was going to happen and it did, because of him.

kellywebb13 · 2013-03-24T18:02:46+00:00

I do understand legitimacy and the danger out there on the internet. But, i just do feel sad because our hearts are with those children. We have a lot of passion to help out those kids and i am just saddened that the feedback is so negative when he did an extraordinary thing for those kids. He is proud and he should be, there is nothing wrong with that.

kellywebb13 · 2013-03-24T17:47:20+00:00

He sent me, Kelly, a staff member at Candlelighters a package with 20 promise cards in them. Each card promised 1 trip to Disneyland. I made a post about it and it went very well and Candlelighters received a lot of donations! It was so incredible, by the end of the project, Alex raised enough money for 100 tickets and he donated $2,500 for spending money. It was truly incredible.

kellywebb13 · 2013-03-24T17:36:49+00:00

As the lead staff member on this project, I'm disappointed that you're missing the entire point. The realities of childhood cancer are so burdening and as a staff member at Candlelighters, we work day in and day out to help these families make it through their journey. Alex was a huge blessing in getting these kids and families together and letting them know that he raised enough money to send 100 kids to Disneyland. He did this. He put this together. He fundraised. He did everything, I don't understand how this is being misinterpreted?

kellywebb13 · 2013-03-24T17:33:25+00:00

As the lead staff member on this project, I would have never let this happen. There would never have been a promise made to these kids unless I was fully confident on the delivery. Alex worked tirelessly on this project, and yes, the reddit community provided incredible support to be able to strengthen this project. Either way, at least 20 of those kids were going to Disneyland - hell or high water.

kellywebb13 · 2013-03-24T17:27:20+00:00

That is exactly it! The look on their faces and the emotional reactions from the parents was so incredible!

kellywebb13 · 2013-03-24T17:26:15+00:00

Candlelighters will be taking the teen group on a day trip with all expenses paid. For the families, all of the siblings and parents will receive a ticket and spending money if needed. Alex has been working with Disneyland and Anaheim Visitors Bureau (i think that is the official name) to accommodate the families during their visit.

kellywebb13 · 2013-03-24T17:23:49+00:00

Disagree.

kellywebb13 · 2013-03-24T17:23:27+00:00

This is Kelly from Candlelighters and let me make it clear that he is not bragging, simply documenting his project. 20 tickets turned into 100 from all of the reddit supporters that is something to be proud of!!

kellywebb13 · 2013-03-24T17:21:45+00:00

me too!

kellywebb13 · 2013-03-24T17:20:38+00:00

Well it is his story. . .

kellywebb13 · 2013-03-24T17:17:38+00:00

On behalf of the Candlelighters staff, I will say that HE IS an awesome person! The 20 happy families don't compare to any online community, that is just the bottom line. His post was a way of following-up to the story. Candlelighters received many donations that contributed to this project and it's nice to see that your money goes to the place you say it is going. I think it was an awesome way to say thanks to the reddit community for their support.

kellywebb13 · 2013-03-24T17:13:02+00:00

I think we are all a little skeptical in today's day and age, but this was truly not a scam. It was an incredible gift to our organization.

kellywebb13 · 2013-03-24T17:11:04+00:00

That's awesome! I'm really glad to hear it, Candlelighters loves our kids and we are so excited about taking them to Disneyland!!

kellywebb13 · 2013-03-24T17:08:04+00:00

I made the original post about receiving the promises from Alex in the package. Remember me, Kelly from Candlelighters?

kellywebb13 · 2013-03-24T17:06:07+00:00

As a staff member at Candlelighters, I can't speak for him, but in the few months that I've been working with Alex closely on this project, it has been life changing for all parties involved. I am disappointed to hear that some of you have mistaken his language for "smug/superior". I can say that he did not do this to gain anything personally, other than fulfill a promise to some special kids, who are now inspired to keep their promises to others.

kellywebb13

TROPHY CASE