ANDREA GALABINSKI Blue Knight Johnny Haas took 9-year-old Yovani Nunez for a ride on his Harley Davidson Electroglide.

Over 250 special kids and their families enjoyed the 5th Annual Candlelighters Day at the Pine Lakes Country Club community last Saturday.

They are special children because they, or a sibling, suffer from cancer.

Candlelighters of Southwest Florida is a support group for these children and their families. For the last five years, scores of members of Pine Lakes have put together the fun day with a host of activities.

“It’s an absolutely great event,” said Candlelighters Executive Director Klair Snellbaker. “This is the biggest turnout yet from our families. They had such a good time in previous years, they tell other families.”

Candlelighters of Southwest Florida is an independent self-supporting non-profit charity serving all community children with cancer and blood disorders. The organization has operated in Florida since 1983.

“Terry The Trickster” brought up 12-year-old Britany Cozad to be his assistant and mesmerize the kids with his magic.

Candlelighters purpose is to provide support, education and opportunities for children with cancer and their family members to meet, share and support one another, and all services are cost free to registered members of Candlelighters.

Ruth Gapp is a volunteer and board member for the organization.

“I think this is excellent,” she said while enjoying a magic show at the event. “We are very, very lucky to have this group do this for us.”

That show was only one of scores of activities the residents arranged for the kids. Volunteer magician/performer “Terry The Trickster” brought up 12-year-old Britany Cozad to be his assistant while he mesmerized the kids with his magic. There was fishing at the lake, miniature golf and many other activities. There was also tennis, bocce ball and a bounce house.

“A little girl caught a fish and her smile was worth a million dollars,” said resident and volunteer Mel Gautieri.

Five-year-old Roxana Manta enjoyed many activities during the day at Pine Lakes.

“The kids are having fun and that’s all that counts,” said Joe Rondaeu.

The youngsters came from all over Southwest Florida.

A big treat was the Blue Knights, retired motorcycle police officers who gave rides on their big bikes.

“They are really enjoying this,” said Johnny Haas, who retired from the New York City Police Department. Nine-year-old Yovani Nunez was all smiles when he got a ride on Hass’ Harley Electroglide.

Five-year-old Roxana Manta enjoyed activities throughout the Day. Mom Penny said, “I think this is great. It’s our first year. The kids did everything, including tennis and they made crafts. They had a very, very good day.”

Some organizers and volunteers include Joe and Milda Monks, Bob Wirzburger and many more. They cooked, ran events, helped kids fish and golf and enjoyed their company.

“I heard one of the children outside say, ‘I wish we lived closer to PIne Lakes so I could come here every day,'” said Snellbaker.

For information on the organization, call 432-2223 or 800-738-3588.