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Raymond's Story

Learn about the inspiration and driving force behind the Ray of Light Foundation.

Our Initiatives

Learn about our initiatives to provide benevolent assistance to those affected by childhood cancer in Middle Tennessee.

Get Involved

Find out all the ways you can support the Ray of Light Foundation including donating and volunteering.

"From our family and the Ray of Light Foundation, thank you for your continued support and generosity. Ray taught us so much and we hope by sharing his story, we can help support others patients and their families." 

-The Cruz Family

Upcoming Events

  • 2024 Shine Your Light Youth Vocal Competition
    2024 Shine Your Light Youth Vocal Competition
    Apr 27, 2024, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Franklin, Performing Arts Center, 112 Everbright Ave, Franklin, TN 37064, USA
    A Youth Vocal Competition to benefit the Vanderbilt Children's Hospital Palliative Care for Bereaved Caregivers.
  • Kids Arts Festival of Tenness
    Kids Arts Festival of Tenness
    Sat, Mar 23
    Mar 23, 2024, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Franklin, 405 Murfreesboro Rd, Franklin, TN 37064, USA
    Kids Arts Festival in Franklin, offering stage performances, art sale, master classes, art stops, and exhibits
  • Home for the Holidays-Youth Cast
    Home for the Holidays-Youth Cast
    Fri, Dec 22
    Franklin Mercantile
    Dec 22, 2023, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Franklin Mercantile , 100 4th Ave N, Franklin, TN 37064, USA
  • 2nd Annual Ray of Light Stocking Stuffing
    2nd Annual Ray of Light Stocking Stuffing
    Dec 21, 2023, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Rileys, 919 Columbia Ave Franklin
    Join us as we help local families and individuals in need. Donate pre-filled stockings or donate stockings & items to stuff. Volunteers will enjoy a gathering putting the stocking together, passing out the stockings and singing Christmas Carols for the recipients.
  • Home for the Holidays-Adult Cast
    Home for the Holidays-Adult Cast
    Fri, Dec 15
    Franklin Mercantile
    Dec 15, 2023, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Franklin Mercantile , 100 4th Ave N, Franklin, TN 37064, USA
    Home for the Holidays is an evening of you favorite holiday songs performed by local Adult Performers. A show for the whole family, while supporting a wonderful organization.
  • Ray of Light Thanksgiving Holiday Basket Drive
    Ray of Light Thanksgiving Holiday Basket Drive
    Sun, Nov 19
    Freedom Middle School Cafeteria
    Nov 19, 2023, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Freedom Middle School Cafeteria , 1000 Excellence Way Franklin, Tn 37064
    Help the Ray of Light Foundation, provide families experiencing economic hardship with a bountiful meal this holiday season. Form a team at your school, office or start a family tradition.
  • "Be Our Guest" A Disney Cabaret
    "Be Our Guest" A Disney Cabaret
    Fri, Oct 20
    Oct 20, 2023, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Franklin, 210 Gothic Ct, Franklin, TN 37067, USA
    Your presence and generosity will make a tremendous difference in the lives of those affected by childhood cancer at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital as we harmonize our voice for a cause so close to our heart. Don’t miss this chance to share in the magic and make a positive impact on our community.
  • 2023 Semi-Annual Snack Collection
    2023 Semi-Annual Snack Collection
    Mon, Jun 19
    Location is TBD
    Jun 19, 2023, 12:00 AM – Jul 21, 2023, 12:00 AM
    Location is TBD
    The Ray of Light Foundation will be collecting snacks for the kids undergoing cancer treatment at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital.
  • 2023 Shine Your Light Youth Vocal Competition
    2023 Shine Your Light Youth Vocal Competition
    Sun, Apr 30
    Williamson County Performing Arts Center
    Apr 30, 2023, 6:00 PM – May 01, 2023, 8:30 PM
    Williamson County Performing Arts Center, 112 Everbright Ave, Franklin, TN 37064, USA
    The SYL Youth Vocal Competition is one of the main annual fundraisers for the Ray of Light Foundation. Youth all around Middle Tennessee audition to compete in this event, with all proceeds going to the Vanderbilt Children's Hospital to help the Ray M. Cruz Palliative Care for Bereaved Caregivers.
  • 2023 Semi-Annual Snack Collection
    2023 Semi-Annual Snack Collection
    Mon, Feb 06
    Location is TBD
    Feb 06, 2023, 12:00 AM – Mar 24, 2023, 11:50 PM
    Location is TBD
    The Ray of Light Foundation will be collecting snacks for the kids undergoing cancer treatment at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital.
  • 2022 Champs Toy Chest Collection
    2022 Champs Toy Chest Collection
    Mon, Aug 22
    Multiple Locations
    Aug 22, 2022, 12:00 AM CDT – Nov 25, 2022, 11:50 PM CST
    Multiple Locations
    The Ray of Light Foundation is once again collecting gifts for teens undergoing cancer treatment at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital.
  • 2022 Shine Your Light Competition
    2022 Shine Your Light Competition
    Sun, May 01
    Academy Park Performing Arts Center
    May 01, 2022, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM CDT
    Academy Park Performing Arts Center, 112 Everbright Ave, Franklin, TN 37064, USA
    The Shine Your Light Competition is back for another year! Registration/online auditions are open till April 25. Finalists will be announced April 27. Cost to register is $25. Tickets will be available on the Academy Park Performing Arts Center website.
  • Race To Cure Sarcoma
    Race To Cure Sarcoma
    Sat, Nov 20
    Your Location
    Nov 20, 2021, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM CST
    Your Location
    Join the Ray of Light team or donate for the Race To Cure Sarcoma!
  • Shine Your Light Youth Vocal Competition
    Shine Your Light Youth Vocal Competition
    May 08, 2021, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Franklin, 112 Everbright Ave, Franklin, TN 37064, USA
    Join us for the annual Shine Your Light Youth Vocal Competition in Franklin!
  • "Legacy" Album Release Celebration
    "Legacy" Album Release Celebration
    Sat, May 01
    May 01, 2021, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Franklin, 1368 Eastern Flank Cir, Franklin, TN 37064, USA
    Join us for a free, family friendly event celebrating the release of "Legacy" an album of originals and covers recorded by Raymond M. Cruz before his passing.

Get Involved

Whether its volunteering your time or donating money, we need you to get involved!

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