Willow School's Teal Pumpkin Party Raises Almost $2000 for FARE!

On October 27th, The Willow School hosted its third annual Teal Pumpkin Spooktacular, inspired by the global Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) Teal Pumpkin Project. Willow’s Teal Pumpkin Spooktacular was one of only two Teal Pumpkin events in the entire state of New Jersey. Thanks to donations from the party's over 200 attendees, Willow was able to raise $1,780 for FARE!

FARE’s Teal Pumpkin Project is a worldwide movement to create a safer, happier Halloween for all kids. 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 Program,” said Francisco Ayala, Willow’s Head of School. “It is a way for us to make all of the children in our school community, and our larger community, feel supported.”

This year’s Teal Pumpkin Spooktacular was supported by over 50 volunteers and a number of community organizations. All activities at the Teal Pumpkin party were organized by Willow parents and teachers, Annie’s Playhouse, Meadowbrook Country Day Camp, Schiff Nature Preserve, Artsi Studio, Master Jeon’s Tae Kwon Do, and Toys with Love. Children of all ages enjoyed trick-or-treating for treasures, pumpkin painting, slime making, spooky stories and dances, and other crafts and games.

More about FARE: Throughout the year, 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.

The Willow School, an Age 3 to Grade 8 independent school, emphasizes true academic excellence in an inquiry-based learning environment where virtues are embedded into everything we do. Students learn to take responsibility for their own education and grow into communicative, collaborative leaders in their school community and beyond. Learn more at www.willowschool.org.