Pumpkin Carving Contest at Forked River Restaurant to Raise Money to Feed the Hungry

Carving pumpkins is a fun way many families celebrate Halloween and this year, that activity can help feed families in need in Lacey Township. For $5 per pumpkin, people can participate in a Pumpkin Carving Contest at Tenampa Mexican Restaurant, 208 Route 9, Forked River with all the proceeds going to the Lacey Food Bank.

“People don’t realize that with the economy, people are hungry in our town,” said Sharon Good, restaurant manager. “We feel businesses should help the community they are in.”

Their goal is to get 1,000 pumpkins to raise $5,000 for the food pantry. People can bring their already carved pumpkins to the restaurant starting on Friday, Oct. 28 and no later than 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30. The jack-o-lanterns will be placed around the neighboring miniature golf course and illuminated to show support for the hungry in Lacey Township.

Pumpkin judging will take place at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30. The first place winner will receive a $100 prize; second place will get $50; and third place will receive $25. All ages are encouraged to participate.

“Tenampa came up with a great idea with the proceeds going to the Lacey Food Bank,” said Laura Caroccia, Food Bank co-chairman. “We’re out there recruiting more of the community to lend a hand. The economic conditions are hitting people hard.”

Caroccia said the food bank now has a client base of families with two working parents who are unable to make ends meet and in the last 10 years, they have gone from serving 40 children in the community to 237 kids.

The money from Tenampa’s fundraiser will be used to purchase food and also will benefit the Lacey Food Bank Kids program, which purchases items for children their parents might not be able to afford, such as Halloween costumes at this time of year, said Caroccia.

“Halloween is my favorite holiday and I love carving pumpkins,” said Good. “This event will help those less fortunate while also bringing a fun fall celebration to the community.”

Following the judging, there will be live Mexican music plus a clown and face-painting for the kids.

Good said if other businesses in Lacey would like to get involved in the fundraiser, they should call 609-489-3525.

The Lacey Food Bank is holding a fundraising event of its own on Friday, Oct. 28 at the Captain’s Inn in Forked River. They are sponsoring a Psychic Night from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. For $30, people will receive a 15-minute reading, light refreshments, coffee/tea and dessert. The proceeds will go to the Lacey Food Bank Kids program. Reservations are recommended but walk-ins also are welcome. For reservations, call the food bank at 609-242-2848 and leave a message for Laura or e-mail LFBKids@msn.com.