'Out of the darkness comes a beacon of light'

Bill O’Boyle, The Times Leader, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
·4 min read

Aug. 28—WILKES-BARRE — Scent-Sations, Inc. CEO Bob Scocozzo, one of the company's owners, wants his company's candles to help charities and the people they serve.

"Suicide is something that most of us cannot comprehend," Scocozzo said. "Our limited edition candle — 'Hope' — is designed to create awareness about the tragedy of suicide and to let people who are going through dark times know that they are not alone. They have support. They don't have to feel like there is no other choice. Our amazing distributors, as well as our customers, always step up to help make a difference in whatever cause we support, and suicide awareness is no different."

You can see the passion on Scocozzo's face as he talks about this particular candle and its meaning. He said he talked to a woman who lost her child to suicide and he gained a real perspective on how a tragedy like that can have far-reaching effects on families.

The limited edition "Hope" is a 16 oz. jar candle that features grey wax (a first for the company), and the phrase — "Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness."

The label is light blue with black lettering and features pictures of two flowers. Scocozzo said the fragrance is a pleasant blend of lavender and sandalwood.

Scocozzo's company, Scent-Sations, Inc., is the creator of Mia Bella's Gourmet Candles, located at 1 George Ave., Wilkes-Barre. For additional information, contact Scocozzo by email at — bob@scent-team.com — or by calling 570-270-9010.

The "Hope" candle to support suicide awareness is available during the month of September.

Scocozzo said in order to help raise awareness, "Out of the Darkness Walks" will take place in cities nationwide by those affected by suicide and those who support them and are a journey of remembrance, hope and support.

'They unite communities and provide an opportunity to acknowledge mental health conditions and suicide and how they affect the lives of those we love and care about,' Scocozzo said. "People need to know that they are not alone.

On sale now, proceeds from the sales of the "Hope" candle are being donated to help support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Long known for its commitment to various charities, Scocozzo said Scent-Sations, Inc. has donated tens of thousands of dollars over the years to charities, including Make-A-Wish Foundation, Children's Miracle Network, Susan G. Komen For The Cure, the Ukranian people, and dozens of military charities and their families.

Candles may be purchased online at — www.miabella.net — or from any one of thousands of independent distributor web sites for $21.94 plus a flat $7.95 (US) shipping charge regardless of quantity ordered.

Breast cancer candle

Scent-Sations created "Faith, Hope, Cure candle as another special limited edition 16 oz. candle to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The candle features the new Frosted Sugar Cookie fragrance. This clean-burning natural wax candle can be purchased from distributors and online via their secure web store.

Two charities receiving the proceeds:

—Candy's Place — A cancer and wellness resource center

—Olivia's House — A grief and loss center for children

Totals from the most recent Scent-Sations cause candles and where the money went:

—Hope for Ukraine $4,613; St. John's Byzantine Church, Wilkes-Barre

—Autism Awareness $2,920; Brighter Journeys, Wilkes-Barre

—Mental Health Awareness $1,300; National Alliance on Mental Health

Bringing hope to Ukrainians with 'A Beacon Of Light'

In March, Scocozzo said the company that makes Mia Bella Candles came up with a new candle to benefit the people of Ukraine.

The bright yellow candle is called "Hope for Ukraine" and its scent is sunflower, the national flower of Ukraine that has become the war-torn country's symbol of resistance.

Scocozzo said the candle sold for $21.95 and $5 went to St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church in Georgetown as part of the church's fundraising for Ukraine.

"We do a lot of fundraising for community groups, " Scocozzo said. "We try to do one every month. This candle was special, and we raised a lot of money for Ukraine. This new limited-edition candle was created to support the refugees of the war in Ukraine and symbolizes hope, peace and solidarity."

Scocozzo said his distributors know the company has helped make a difference by donating to many charities in the past.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.