$78K Raffle Winner Announced After Mendham Labor Day Carnival

MENDHAM, NJ — The winner of the 50/50 raffle from the 81st annual Pastime Labor Day Carnival was presented with their winning check earlier this month, according to Pastime Club Chair Mark Tosso.

Billy Sclafani, a resident of Roxbury, received his award at a ceremony outside the club on Sept. 17. Sclafani won $78,880, making him the largest prize winner in the club's history.

This year, the prize pool has surged to $157,760, a substantial increase from last year’s total of $47,695.

According to Tosso, the Pastime Club will use the proceeds from the 50/50 raffle to support a variety of youth sports teams in Mendham, Chester and Bernardsville.

Founded in 1915, the Pastime Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting youth athletics within the local community as a civic and fraternal group. With a proud history of more than 100 years, the club also supports local veterans organizations and is the chartering organization for Boy Scout Troop 1.

According to officials, the Pastime Club is the community’s largest financial supporter of youth athletic programs in the Mendhams. The club sponsors teams and leagues, purchases field equipment, and awards scholarships to local student athletes.

Additionally, the club plays a vital role in one of Mendham's biggest community events, the Labor Day Carnival. This annual celebration, which started in 1943, has continued without interruption ever since.

Held on Borough Field, the Carnival is a major community event featuring rides, games, and a variety of food options. It takes place the weekend before Labor Day and is followed by the Mendham Labor Day Parade, which marches up Main Street and concludes at Borough Field.