Candlelight Ranch

Thank You, Q2’s We Help Wednesday! A huge shoutout to the incredible employees at Q2's Austin office for making our Nature Exploration Backpacks possible through We Help Wednesday! Thanks to your generosity, children now have the tools—binoculars, field guides, and activity books—to discover nature's wonders at camp and home. Your support sparks curiosity, adventure, and a lifelong love of the outdoors for so many young explorers. We are beyond grateful!

We were honored to welcome Amy Gouldie, Executive Director of Gavin's Gifts of Grace, to the ranch today. Established in 2018 in memory of Gavin Grant Gouldie, Gavin’s Gift of Grace is dedicated to providing immediate and sustained emotional, physical, mental, and financial support to families grieving the loss of a child. (gavinsgiftofgrace.org) On this beautiful day, we shared our missions and celebrated the wonderful work they do in the community. A cornerstone of our mission is partnering with over 34 local non-profits to offer a safe space for children and families of all abilities and needs to learn, explore, and heal in nature.

They Brought the Heat & Heart!?At Candlelight Ranch’s 8th Annual Chili Cook-Off & Car Show, it wasn’t just about who had the best chili—it was about community, impact, and giving back. We are beyond grateful to the incredible teams who showed up with big flavors and even bigger hearts, representing local businesses and organizations that believe in making a difference: Sewell Automotive Companies - Our Presenting Sponsor! Braggin Rights Chili - Stephen Braggs36YF The Secret Ingredient – Chev Vous 512 Blue Corn Harvest, LLC A+ Wealth Management (A+ Federal Credit Union) The Capsaicin Crew – ContactWorks Schwab Team - Charles Schwab Tacodeli Chili Bytes – Deloitte Hot Chili Chicas – LAGO VISTA WOMENS CLUB Every pot of chili stirred, every spice added, and every cup served helped support our mission to provide outdoor learning, healing, and adventure for children with disabilities, at-risk youth, and military families. This event is more than just a cook-off—it’s a celebration of generosity, teamwork, and the power of community. A HUGE thank you to our competing teams, supporters, and everyone who joined in the fun! We couldn't do this without you.?

The 8th Annual Chili Cook-Off & Car Show was an incredible success, made possible by the generosity of our sponsors. Their support ensures that 91 cents of every dollar raised directly funds Candlelight Ranch programs, providing outdoor experiences for children with disabilities, military families, at-risk youth, and families facing adversity. Their contributions go far beyond this event—they help create lasting change, strengthen our community, and allow children and families to heal, grow, and thrive in nature. A heartfelt thank you to: Presenting Sponsor: Land Rover North Austin Hot Rod Sponsor: Matthew Wallach & Stephanie Cooper Chili Champ Sponsor: Security State Bank & Trust Roadster Sponsors: Austin Telco Federal Credit Union, CertaPro Painters, Labor Finders In-Kind Sponsors: Charles Schwab, Cedar Park City Lifestyle, Flash Photo Booth, Flat Creek Estate Winery & Vineyard, Gigglebox, Goodnight Loving Vodka, Handel's Homemade Ice Cream, Karbach Brewing Co., Martelle Luedecke, Nine Banded Whiskey, Rambler Sparkling Water, Tequila 512, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Vistago Print Because of their generosity, more children and families can experience the power of nature, connection, and healing. We are truly grateful! #ChiliForACause #CandlelightRanch #ThankYouSponsors #CommunityImpact #MakingADifference

A Year of Impact, A Lifetime of Memories. As we embrace the momentum of 2025, we take a moment to look back at our impact last year. In 2024, 1,627 children and families found joy, healing, and adventure in nature—all at no cost to them. A Place for Everyone – Every zipline, trail, and activity was designed to ensure that children of all abilities could fully participate and experience the thrill of the outdoors. A Love for Nature – 93% of campers left inspired to spend more time outside, discovering a newfound appreciation for the world around them. Building Confidence & Resilience – 97% of campers did something they felt proud of, proving to themselves just how strong and capable they truly are. This is more than just numbers—it’s laughter echoing through the trees, fears turned into triumphs, and friendships built around the campfire. Every moment was made possible by our incredible supporters, and for that, we are deeply grateful. Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to another year of impact, growth, and adventure!

BID FROM ANYWHERE – OUR SILENT AUCTION IS OPEN! You don’t need a ticket to join in—ANYONE, ANYWHERE can bid and win incredible auction items while supporting Candlelight Ranch! There's something for everyone, from luxury experiences and exclusive getaways to gourmet dining and unique local treasures. Don’t wait—bidding is live NOW and closes on March 2 at 2 PM! Click the link to start bidding and support life-changing outdoor experiences for children and families of all abilities. https://lnkd.in/gzyvXjh8 Set sail on a private Lake Travis sunset cruise with Captain Kerry & Monika Orr Indulge in 2 dozen custom treats from Nancy's Cookie Studio Enjoy a VIP night out with the Austin Symphony Orchestra Sip on premium tequila with a basket from Dulce Vida Tequila Escape to a Hill Country cabin retreat at The Cabins at Rim Rock Relax and rejuvenate with a massage from Sage Blossom Massage Gear up for outdoor adventure with a $150 gift card to Gossamer Gear Inc. Hit the water with a SUP season pass from Rowing Dock Dine in style with gift cards from Z'Tejas ,Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill, Blue Corn Harvest Bar and Grill, & more! Tag your friends, share the love, and let’s make this auction a HUGE success! #BidForACause #CandlelightRanch #SilentAuction #SupportFromAnywhere #ShopForAGoodCause

Today, we celebrate 8 incredible years of dedication, hard work, and heart from our Ranch Manager, Angelia Tomlin! Angelia is the "Powerhouse" of Candlelight Ranch—the reason everything runs smoothly day in and day out. She wears countless hats, from caring for our horses and donkey to stewarding our 40 acres with an unwavering commitment to our mission. She keeps our campers safe, our facilities running, and the Ranch operating like a well-oiled machine—all with a tireless work ethic and a heart full of passion. You’ll often find Angelia behind the scenes, making sure every detail is just right, never seeking the spotlight but always ensuring things get done. We can’t talk about Angelia without mentioning her wonderful and dedicated husband, Greg, who has also become an invaluable part of the Ranch, lending his many valuable skills to help keep things running strong. Angelia, we are beyond grateful for everything you do. Your dedication over these years has shaped Candlelight Ranch into what it is today, and we simply couldn’t do it without you. Thank you for being a steady force that keeps the Ranch thriving!

We’re gearing up for our 8th Annual Chili Cook-Off & Car Show , and we couldn’t do it without the incredible support of Labor Finders of Texas, CertaPro Painters and Austin Telco Federal Credit Union – our Roadster Sponsors! Their generosity fuels Candlelight Ranch’s mission, helping us provide outdoor adventures, therapeutic activities, and nature-based programs to children and families facing unique challenges. Because of their support, more kids will have the opportunity to build confidence, connect with nature, and create lasting memories! Join us in thanking Labor Finders and Austin Telco Federal Credit Union for making a real impact in our community!

Driving Change with Land Rover North Austin! Candlelight Ranch is proud to have Sewell Land Rover North Austin as the Pit Crew Presenting Sponsor for our 8th Annual Chili Cook-Off & Car Show ! Through their generous support, Sewell Land Rover North Austin is helping us provide transformative outdoor experiences for children of all abilities. Their sponsorship fuels programs that foster confidence, healing, and connection with nature for children facing physical, emotional, and socio-economic challenges. Because of partners like Sewell Land Rover North Austin, our community grows stronger, more inclusive, and full of opportunities for all children to explore, learn, and heal. Thank you, Sewell Land Rover North Austin, for believing in our mission and making a difference!

Meet Our Esteemed Celebrity Judges! The 8th Annual Chili Cook-Off & Car Show brings together some of the biggest names in Texas to judge the fiercest (and tastiest!) chili competition around! Led by Dan Garrison, founder and CEO of Garrison Brothers Distillery—the first legal bourbon bottled in Texas—our celebrity panel is packed with culinary icons, music legends, business leaders, and Texas greats. Joining Dan at the judges’ table: Gary P. Nunn, legendary country singer-songwriter whose music embodies the heart and soul of Texas. -Skeeter Miller, owner of the iconic County Line on the Hill, serving up Texas favorites for decades -Carol Huntsberger, longtime Candlelight Ranch supporter and owner of Quality Seafood Market -Ann Howard, Travis County Commissioner, dedicated to serving the Central Texas community -Bill Rives, Board President of HORSESHOE BAY CULTURAL ENRICHMENT SOCIETY INC, committed to enhancing the arts and culture scene -Doug English, former University of Texas football star and 1974 All-American -Jack Allen Gilmore, owner of Jack Allen’s Kitchen & Salt Traders, a Texas culinary powerhouse -Don Barr, co-founder of Candlelight Ranch, whose vision helped create the magic of the Ranch -Tony Moline, CCE, IOM, PCED, Executive Director of the Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce, championing local businesses -Jennifer Sandoval – Executive Director of the North Lake Travis Chamber, a dedicated leader supporting businesses and nonprofits across the region This all-star lineup will have the tough task of tasting, critiquing, and ultimately crowning the best chili of the year! Will it be a bold, smoky Texas-style classic or a spicy, unique twist that wins their vote? Join us on Sunday, March 2nd, 2025, and find out! Ready to get in on the action? Get your tickets now! https://lnkd.in/gQtPjQba