20th Annual Halloween Bake Sale Coming To East Northport

EAST NORTHPORT, NY — The Perles family's 20th annual Halloween Bake Sale is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at their home at 39 Kalmia St., East Northport. The event will be held rain or shine until supplies run out.

The family accepts Venmo, cash and checks made out to the Northport Food Pantry, which is where all proceeds will go.

For those who would like to donate prior to the event, they can Venmo @Greg-Perles.

Any questions can be emailed to bakesale39@gmail.com.

Zoe Perles, 24, said the event started in 2005 when she and her older sister, Dylan, (aged 7 and 5 at the time) first came up with the idea.

"It is surreal to know that our little bake sale is turning 20 years old this year," Zoe told Patch. "My heart is so full after two decades of watching my friends, family, and community-members gather at Kalmia Street to show their support. We could not do this without them and we wouldn’t want to. If you are one of the thousands of people that have bought a baked good, made a donation, spread the word, or donated supplies over the past 20 years, I want to extend my deepest gratitude."

Dylan, 26, said the bake sale started as a single tray of cupcakes on a folding table. The family made $100.

"I don’t think any of us could have anticipated that it would turn into such a community-wide event 20 years and thousands of dollars later," Dylan said. "I’m so grateful for the family, friends, and community members who have helped make this fundraiser possible over the last two decades."

A single tray of cupcakes has transitioned into pies, cookies, brownies, breads, pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting, apple cake, muffins, cupcakes, and gingerbread loaves. Gluten-free and non-dairy treats are available.

Kyra Perles, 19, said she loves that she grew up with the bake sale — she was less than a year old when the family started it.

"It’s absolutely insane to me that this Halloween will be our 20th anniversary," Kyra said. "I believe we all have a responsibility to give back, and our fundraiser is such a fulfilling way to do that while also connecting with our community."

The girls' mother, Halle Brenner, said the 20th anniversary "feels like a time to look back and reflect."

"I am so proud of my three daughters who have brought creativity, energy and dedication to this endeavor, keeping it going through hurdles like Hurricane Sandy, college, and the pandemic without ever missing a year since 2005," Brenner said. "I'm also moved that so many people have become invested in this project right along with our family and have made stopping by for some baked goods and conversation and helping the food pantry a part of their own Halloween tradition."

Brenner's grandmother always rounded up the dollar amount to the nearest $100 raised. That tradition passed from Brenner's grandmother, to Brenner's mom, to Brenner herself and now her daughters.

The Dowling and Canfora families logged many hours baking, making signs and knocking on doors with the Perles family, Brenner said. Brenner's aunt contributes her "famous" chocolate chip cookies, and the Perles family's relatives and friends who live out of town send donations.

Countless former Bellerose Avenue School, East Northport Middle School and Northport High School students have volunteered their time over the years. Local businesses donate supplies and hang flyers in their shop windows.

"Many of our daughters' former teachers come every Halloween," Brenner said. "And finally, a huge shout out to our neighbors on Kalmia Street for their support and contributions and to all of our patrons who come back year after year and prove that we can accomplish good work when a community comes together to care."

Businesses that have donated to the cause include:

• Copenhagen Bakery of Northport
• Dunkin' Donuts of Northport
• Stop & Shop of Northport
• IGA of East Northport
• UPS Store of East Northport
• Walgreens of Northport
• Pat’s Marketplace of East Northport
• Northshore Bagels of Northport
• Mario's Pizza of East Northport
• Party City of Commack