Downtown Merchants Support Cancer Association of Champaign County with Candlelight Walk

Luminaries will light the way on the evening of December 1st, as many of the downtown merchants open their doors for the first Downtown Urbana Candlelight Walk.  Due to the cancellation of the Cancer Association of Champaign County’s (CACC) Candlelight Tour of Homes, retailers discussed how they could help the association raise additional funds.  
 
On Saturday December 1st, the stores will be lit with luminaries, and during the hours of 4 - 7 P.M. each will have a promotion to encourage customers to donate to the Cancer Association.  In addition, merchants will donate a portion of their sales. Tina Knotts, owner of Let’s Eat Cake stated “We are grateful for the support we receive from the community and this is our way of giving back.” 

​Several of the merchants have also volunteered to sell CACC calendars during the month of December. The group has been in contact with Brett Evilsizor, president of the CACC who is supportive of their efforts.  Pat and Patsy Thackery, owners of Cafe Paradiso have also agreed to participate, and are asking other downtown restaurants to get involved.
 
As of press time, Oxner’s, Community Thrift, Lily’s Garden, Fruit Salad, Let’s Eat Cake, PB&J on Main, The Bull, Cafe Paradiso, Fusion, Coppertop and Kaleidoscope are participating restaurants and retailers. Each shop will have at least 6 luminaries to make the downtown area festive and light the way for customers.
 
According to their website, the Cancer Association helps people dealing with the effects of cancer on their daily lives, and provides financial assistance with medicines and treatment.   The funds stay in Champaign County, and the organization is totally funded by donations.