Shark River Hills Halloween Home Raises Money For Pediatric Cancer

SHARK RIVER HILLS, NJ — Once again, the Bizzaro Circus & Midway will be pitching its tent next to a haunted graveyard that magically appears each Halloween at the Granelli home at 113 Highland Avenue in Shark River Hills, Neptune.

So far this year, the show has already raised $6,000 for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation and continues to be a fun time for every visitor. But life is not fun for children with cancer, it’s downright scary.

In addition to raising awareness for children’s pediatric cancer, the Halloween display raises money for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation in Irvine, California. Every year since inception, the Granelli’s Halloween Fundraiser has surpassed their fundraising goals. Last year they more than beat their original goal of $2,000, raising $2,504. This year’s goal of $2,500 puts the effort on track to raise $10,000 or more for the PCRF in 9 years, a full year ahead of its 10-year commitment. In 2021, the PCRF provided a QR code, which was a huge help in raising donations.

“We’ve done Halloween big for over 13 years now, especially after Hurricane Sandy to thank volunteers who helped us after the storm," said Laura Granelli. "Jim’s Halloween Prop Shop really built it up over the years and it’s been extra busy this year creating new props. Starting in August with the creation of the new items, it’s a lot of work to set up and maintain, but it’s worth it considering the laughter from children and adults alike.”

2023 marks a major investment in the 3,000-square-foot display: There's a new layout for the graveyard, which includes a walk-thru Haunted Trail and new animatronics and props, all highlighted by haunting fog and music. It’s expected that over 16 animatronics will be on display and hopefully some lively ghosts might visit on Halloween night.

Don't worry if you haven't seen the Granelli's display yet: The best viewing nights are Mischief Night and Halloween night when most of the animatronics are active. So, come take a walk on the Hunted Trail, see what’s new and why last year nearly 300 people enjoyed the display; all while helping raise some funds for children’s cancer research.

Modest donations are all they ask, so please bring along a few dollar bills and leave them in the Clown Donation Box by the driveway as you enjoy what is most likely the biggest and best Halloween display in the area.

Remember: 100% of your donations go to the PCRF. Don’t worry, the clowns won’t bite, but you must be careful of the haunted spirits who will gladly take you instead of a donation.

This year, the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation celebrates 40 years of cutting-edge research. Its mission is “to fund research that reduces the percentage of children who perish from cancer until that number reaches zero.” Its purpose is to accelerate breakthroughs that transform pediatric cancer care so kids with cancer can spread their wings and soar.” Since 1982, PCRF has been partnering with businesses, foundations, and individuals to improve the care, quality of life and survival rates of children with malignant diseases because the PCRF is committed to continuing to fund innovative research so that every child can have the hope of a cancer-free future.

This Neptune Halloween Home Raises Money To Fight Kids' Cancer (2022)