The residents of Pine Lakes Country Club in North Fort Myers once again proved to be wonderful hosts for the annual Candlelighters of Southwest Florida family picnic on Saturday April 5th. The day out provided children battling cancer and other blood disorders a chance to relax and enjoy a sunny afternoon with their family.

The children took part in pony rides, mini golf, shuffleboard, remote control sailboat races, fishing, arts and crafts, face painting, clowns and much more.

The children also got to meet Fire Fighters from the North Fort Myers station house, the Lee County Sheriff’s bomb squad and their special disposal robot. The Blue Knights offered rides on their motorcycles to the more daring children.

The families dined on grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, chicken nuggets, potato chips and French Fries. Cotton Candy, Pop Corn and an Ice Cream Buffet rounded out the picnic. Each child left with a baseball cap, a goody bag and many fond memories from their day of fun.

Candlelighers of Southwest Florida is a self-sustaining non-profit organization benefiting local families battling childhood cancer and other blood disorders. Services are provided at no cost to newly diagnosed families, those in treatment, long term survivors, those suffering from long term effects of treatments, children undergoing bone marrow treatments and to bereaved families.