The Little Candle That Could

White Castle, along with Nest Fragrances and Autism Speaks, celebrated the success of the Original Slider-scented candle at White Castle’s 8th Ave. location on Dec. 14.

This “Little Candle That Could” has captured the hearts of burger fans, autism supporters and the media.Celebrities, including television host, author, and magazine publisher Martha Stewart, and world-renowned fashion designer Vera Wang, stopped by the event.

“Our original goal simply was to sell a fun, distinctive candle for our Cravers that could help raise funds for Autism Speaks,” said Jamie Richardson, White Castle vice president of corporate communications. “We never anticipated the amount of good this candle would do. The amount of its sales has raised to support Autism Speaks is just remarkable and surpassed everyone’s expectations.”

The candle first debuted in May to commemorate the 18th annual celebration of National Hamburger Month. White Castle teamed up with Laura Slatkin, founder and CEO of Nest Fragrances, to introduce a candle with scent of America’s first fast-food hamburger.The idea for the candle was sparked when White Castle executives met Slatkin, who sits on the board of Autism Speaks.

White Castle presented Autism Speaks with a check for $500,000, representing the net proceeds from the candle’s sales. Richardson said White Castle expects to donate more as the holiday gift season is in full swing and candles are still selling.

The candles are currently available in White Castle restaurants nationwide and online at www.houseofcrave.com, White Castle’s online store, for $13 plus shipping.