On Thursday, October 23, the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada hosted its 27th Annual Halloween Bash, in partnership with Ellis Island Casino & Hotel and the Ellis Family, welcoming more than 650 children and families for a safe and spirited celebration at Grand Prix Plaza, home of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. This marks the first time the Las Vegas Grand Prix has hosted a Halloween-themed event on the track itself, which is an exciting draw for families.
Families enjoyed an unforgettable night featuring trunk-or-treating, carnival games, prizes, rides, food, and music, all set between Turns 2 and 3 of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit. The event provides children facing cancer a chance to simply be kids again, connecting away from treatment and hospitals.
Since its inception, the annual Halloween Bash has raised more than $1.2 million to support Candlelighters families, with this year’s event raising over an additional $280,000. More than 50 organizations came together to sponsor the event, including Hannah Lu Hodgman, 1 Care Hospice, Dana White, Thomas Dermatology, Tito & Sandee Tiberti, Fowler Electric, Konami Gaming and Par 3 Landscaping.
For families facing childhood cancer, Halloween celebrations aren’t always possible. Between treatment schedules, health concerns, and the isolation that often comes with a diagnosis, many children don’t get to experience the same joy as their peers. The Halloween Bash ensured they were seen and celebrated – offering a safe, supportive space where families can connect, create memories and find hope together. Events like this contribute to greater emotional well-being for the diagnosed child, siblings and parents by reminding them they are not alone in their journey.
About Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada
As the first and oldest local organization dedicated exclusively to supporting children diagnosed with childhood cancer, Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada has been a beacon of hope for families in Southern Nevada for over 40 years. Each year, Candlelighters proudly serves approximately 400 families and 1,200 children, including both diagnosed children and their siblings. Over the past decade, the organization has provided nearly $15 million in financial assistance, emotional support, and quality-of-life programs to help families cope with the overwhelming costs of childhood cancer. These services cover medical expenses, rent and mortgage payments, travel for treatment, counseling, sibling support, and safe, supportive social opportunities to ensure no family faces this journey alone. For more information, please visit www.candlelightersnv.org or connect with us on social media: Facebook and Instagram @candlelightersnv, Twitter/X @Candle_Lighters.
About FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX
Established in 2023, the FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX is promoted by Formula 1®, in collaboration with Clark County. The 50-lap race takes place on a 3.8-mile circuit in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip and sees drivers reach jaw-dropping speeds of over 215 mph (346 kph) as they drive past some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, hotels, and casinos. Through the Las Vegas Grand Prix Foundation, Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc. has donated nearly $2 million to non-profit organizations working to strengthen the local community. The 2025 race will take place on November 20-22, 2025. For more information, visit www.f1lasvegasgp.com.
About Ellis Island Casino & Hotel
Ellis Island Casino & Hotel has been a beloved Las Vegas staple for over 57 years, celebrated for its outstanding food, beverages, and entertainment—all rooted in a commitment to quality, service, and value. Property amenities include Village Pub & Cafe, a 24-hour restaurant with a famed steak special, the award-winning Ellis Island BBQ, The Front Yard – an indoor-outdoor beer garden serving craft beers, and The Deck- a brand-new rooftop bar and event space with dazzling views of the Las Vegas Strip. The casino boasts hundreds of gaming options, including reel slots, video poker, keno, and live table games such as blackjack, roulette, and craps as well as a sportsbook, which is available 24/7. Located just one block east of the Las Vegas Strip on Koval Lane behind The Paris Hotel & Casino, Ellis Island is a must-see destination for every Las Vegas visitor and local. Ellis Island has been consistently recognized in the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Best of Las Vegas awards for categories including Best BBQ, Cheap Eats, Karaoke, Brunch, Beer Garden, and more. A major expansion is set to be completed in late 2025 that will include an expanded and remodeled casino floor and refreshed dining spaces.
