If anyone ever told us there was a sweeter person deserving of the name Candy, we wouldn’t believe them. That’s because Captain Candy (as we like to call her) has been leading the charge for volunteers with both the Cheerful Givers and being NAWIC’s liaison at The Doorways for 25 years.
25. Years.
25 years of making meals for our guests (Candy’s lasagna is FAMOUS with our guests!). 25 years of forming connections with everyone she meets. 25 years of understanding the challenges because of what she’s been through personally.
Candy’s journey with The Doorways began in 2000 after a meeting of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), when she heard our then-president speak about our mission. Something clicked. Having survived a horrific automobile accident years earlier, Candy saw herself in the stories of our guests — especially their loved ones.
“I was just getting back into the workforce,” she remembers, “and I couldn’t help but think: What if my mom hadn’t lived nearby when I was learning to walk again? There’s no way she could’ve afforded to be by my side. And that’s why I will always do whatever I can — because The Doorways bridges that gap for tons of other families.”
It started with one tour. One lunch. One service day. But it never stopped.
Over the years, Candy has done just about everything — she organizes monthly meals for guests with the aptly named Cheerful Givers, recruits her NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) community to volunteer at our events and host Breakfast with Santa, volunteers at the Gilbane Restaurant Walk benefiting The Doorways, soliciting sponsors and securing auction items for SAVOR, and So. Much. More. No matter the project, Candy shows up. And not just physically—she brings her heart and her people with her.
Even when she’s sick, she’s organizing overage to ensure guests get the delicious homemade meals from the Cheerful Givers that they eagerly anticipate. Even in the rain, she’s volunteering at outdoor events with a brilliant smile on her face. And even when challenges strike, Candy shows up with grace, compassion, and a “we’ve got this” spirit that inspires everyone around her. Talk about a prolific volunteer resume!
A guest once approached her and said, “What you’re doing here is a lot more than just a meal.” That’s the kind of difference Candy makes.
She’s a familiar and comforting face, for those who have spent many nights within our doors and for new guests unsure of what lies ahead. Her own experience gives her unique empathy, understanding the overwhelming feelings that accompany health-related crises. Candy’s warmth makes people feel like they belong from the moment they arrive for a meal. She’s bubbly, bright, and a natural storyteller who always finds a way to connect. Her organizational skills are unmatched—but it’s her consistency and faithfulness that truly shine.
Candy’s favorite part of volunteering? Seeing how her efforts ripple out.
“I love that The Doorways is the largest entity of its kind that runs solely on donations and in-kind gifts. Once I tell someone about it and the impact it has on our community, they want to help too.”
That’s the magic of Candy Cecil. One person. One afternoon. One meal at a time—25 years of making a difference.
Hear Candy share about her experience volunteering in her own words.
Interested in Volunteering?
From preparing a meal to helping in the shared community areas to organizing a fundraiser, there are lots of ways to lend a hand.
