Our Candy Rose

09/06/2025

Through the Our Candy Rose event, J. Marie Paintings was able to share custom works of art with the community, especially my heartfelt pet memorial paintings that honor beloved companions. The event also created the opportunity for J. Marie Paintings to connect with KC Pet Project, opening the door to future collaborations that will promote pet adoption in Kansas City. Thanks to the support I received during the event, J. Marie Paintings has already raised $50 (and counting) to donate to reStart, helping unhoused individuals take steps toward safety, stability, and a new beginning.

ReStart is one of Kansas City’s most impactful nonprofits, helping people experiencing homelessness find not just shelter, but real pathways forward. They meet folks where they are—whether that’s on the street, in crisis, or ready to take the next step—and provide the tools and support needed to rebuild a stable life. From safe housing and recovery programs to job skills and long-term support, reStart is all about restoring dignity and hope so that people can move from surviving to truly living.

09/01/2025

🇺🇸Labor Day Reflections

Today, as we celebrate Labor Day, we’re reminded of the strength, dedication, and love that fuels both our work and our lives. It’s a day to honor the hands and hearts that build, care, and serve — the everyday efforts that make our communities stronger.

This year, Labor Day holds a deeper meaning for us. Through Our Candy Rose, we carry forward the memory of Candace Rose. Her life inspires us to put love at the center of all we do — whether in work, in service, or in community.

May today be a moment of rest, gratitude, and remembrance. For those who stay, we remember.

Wishing you all a safe and meaningful Labor Day.

Your life will not be in vain, everything we do will be in your name. 🌹

08/31/2025

🌹💜 Today is International Overdose Awareness Day.

Candace’s grandmother submitted her name to be read tonight at the Candlelight Vigil in Sioux Falls, SD, hosted by Emily’s Hope. Even though we can’t be there in person, the thought of Candace’s name spoken aloud, surrounded by light and remembrance, means so much.

This gesture is more than a tribute — it’s love, it’s legacy, and it’s a reminder that Candace’s story continues to be seen and honored.

To everyone lighting a candle tonight — thank you for carrying the memory of those we love. For those who stay, we remember. 💜🕯️

08/21/2025

🥕 Honor Annex Mobile Food Pantry
KCVA, in collaboration with Harvesters – The Community Food Network, will host a mobile food pantry on the fourth Thursday of each month from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

📍 Location:
Honor VA Clinic (Lobby)
4251 Northern Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64128

🗓 Upcoming Dates:
• Thu. Aug 28, 2025 | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. CT
• Thu. Sep 25, 2025 | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. CT
• Thu. Oct 23, 2025 | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. CT
• Thu. Nov 27, 2025 | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. CT
• Thu. Dec 25, 2025 | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. CT

💲 Cost: Free

✨ Notes:
• You WILL be allowed to enter into the Honor Annex to participate.

08/21/2025

08/20/2025

🌹 In Candace’s Name, Let’s Help KC Pet Project 🌹

At our Our Candy Rose event, we were honored to have KC Pet Project join us and share their incredible work for animals in need. They are currently facing a heartbreaking challenge—critical capacity status. This means too many dogs, not enough space, and the risk that precious lives may be lost.

KC Pet Project has been a lifeline for countless animals and families in Kansas City. Now, they need our voices and our support more than ever. 💙🐾

👉 Please take a moment to share their message, spread the word, or consider adopting, fostering, or donating. Every single action makes a difference.

Here’s the link to share and learn more:
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GMuAwQeac/

Together, we can give these dogs the chance at the love and life they deserve. Thank you for standing with us, for Candace, and for the causes she would be proud to support. 🌹✨

08/18/2025

🌟 Our Candy Rose Monday Spotlight 🌟

This week we’re highlighting: Hope House 💜

Who they are:
For over 40 years, Hope House has been a lifeline in our community. They are more than just a shelter—they’re a place where survivors of domestic violence can find safety, compassion, and a path forward. From a 24-hour crisis hotline, safe housing, and legal advocacy to counseling, children’s programs, and long-term support, Hope House makes sure families aren’t just surviving, but rebuilding their lives with dignity. Their work reminds us that healing is possible—and that no one should ever have to walk that road alone.

Impact so far:
A heartfelt thank you to Our Candy Rose for the opportunity to partner with incredible local businesses. 💜 Through this connection, Scone & Scribe raised $146.72 to donate directly to Hope House, supporting survivors as they take brave steps toward healing and safety. And they’re not finished yet—their limited edition “Still Blooming” shirt is available through the end of August, with every dollar of profit going to Hope House. 🌹

How you can help:
👉 Donate: https://hopehouse.net/donate
👉 Volunteer: https://hopehouse.net/volunteer
👉 Share: Spread the word about Hope House to keep the ripple of love going.

Every Monday we’ll shine a light on a new organization connected to Candace’s legacy. 🌟 Together, we’re building something lasting—one act of kindness at a time.

08/16/2025

🌹We’d Love Your Feedback🌹

To everyone who came to Our Candy Rose on Friday, thank you. Your love, support, and presence made the day so meaningful.

We’d love to hear from you:

What was your favorite part of the event?
Was there a moment that touched your heart the most?
Do you have any suggestions for next year?

Your reflections will help us carry Candace’s light forward and make this gathering even more beautiful in the future.

Please share in the comments below or send a message if you’d rather keep it private. Every word, every thought, every memory matters.

With gratitude,
Dena & the Our Candy Rose team

08/16/2025

🌹For Those Who Couldn’t Be With Us🌹

To everyone who wasn’t able to join us in person for Our Candy Rose—please know you were with us in spirit.

So many of you sent messages, prayers, donations, FaceTimes, and love from afar. Every text, every call, every “I’m thinking of you” made this day even more special. You reminded us that Candace’s light reaches far beyond the park, touching hearts near and far.

Your love helped carry us. You were part of the hugs, the laughter, the dragonfly/butterfly moments, and the beauty of the day.

From the bottom of my heart—thank you. 🌹☀️🪽

With love always,
Dena & the Our Candy Rose team

08/15/2025

🌹 Thank You, KC! 🌹

This Friday, we came together for Our Candy Rose — honoring Candace Rose and celebrating what would have been Candace’s 18th birthday. 💛

Your love, support, and generosity will help local KC charities and keep Candy’s legacy alive.

📸 Swipe through to see the smiles, hugs, and beautiful moments you helped create. We couldn’t have done it without you.

08/15/2025

We passed the glasses, struck a pose, and shared so many smiles — you made this moment unforgettable. 💛🌹

08/14/2025

Tomorrow at Our Candy Rose:

I want to share something that was SO Candace.
If you knew her, you knew she was always on FaceTime with someone…laughing, sharing a moment, or just keeping someone company.

Tomorrow, in true Candace fashion, I’d love for you to take a minute during the event to pull out your phone and FaceTime or call someone who wishes they could be here but can’t. Show them where you are, let them feel the love and energy, and remind them they’re part of this day too.

She had a gift for making people feel included and tomorrow, we get to carry that forward together!