The Willow School’s Teal Pumpkin Party Raises $2000 for FARE

On October 28th, The Willow School hosted its second annual Teal Pumpkin Spooktacular, inspired by the national Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) Teal Pumpkin Project. The party drew a crowd of about 200 people who enjoyed trick-or-treating for treasures, pumpkin painting, slime making, scarecrow decorating, potion making, spooky story time, and other crafts and games. Thanks to donations from the party's attendees, Willow was able to raise $1,760 for FARE!

FARE works on behalf of the 15 million Americans with food allergies, including all those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis. This potentially deadly disease affects 1 in every 13 children in the U.S. – or roughly two in every classroom. FARE’s mission is to improve the quality of life and the health of individuals with food allergies, and to provide them hope through the promise of new treatments. FARE's Teal Pumpkin Project promotes safety, inclusion, and respect for individuals managing food allergies. This movement offers a Halloween alternative for kids with allergies, as well as other families that want to celebrate Halloween without the candy.

Willow is proud to offer a safe, inclusive environment for children with food allergies during Halloween and throughout the year. The Willow School has embraced a nut-free, allergy- and health-conscious approach since it was founded.

“Hosting our annual Teal Pumpkin Halloween Party reflects our commitment to making all children feel safe and included and models the virtues of respect and responsibility which are central to our Virtues Curriculum,” said Francisco Ayala of Morristown, Willow’s Head of School. “It is a way for us to make all of the individuals in our school community, and our larger community, feel supported, while having fun at the same time!”

This year’s Teal Pumpkin Spooktacular was a true community effort. Activities at the Teal Pumpkin party were organized by Willow teachers and parents, Wee Little Arts in Basking Ridge, Toys with Love in Chester, Black Butterfly Studio in Long Valley, Meadowbrook Country Day Camp in Long Valley, and Music Together of Chester. Ort Farms in Long Valley and Alstede Farms in Chester donated pumpkins for pumpkin painting. Over 50 Willow parent, student, and staff volunteers came together to make this event possible.

Mark your calendars for next year's Teal Pumpkin party at Willow on October 27, 2019!

Find out more about The Willow School at willowschool.org.

Photo by Erin Kiernan Photography