Stolen Jersey Devil Statue Raises $2.7K For Manahawkin Cancer Charity

WARREN GROVE, NJ — The theft of a Pine Barrens icon has brought the community together in a major way, with nearly $3,000 being donated to a local charity.

At the end of June, the iconic Jersey Devil statue that sits outside of Lucille's Luncheonette in Warren Grove was stolen.

Customers, friends and family hoped to raise money for a new one. But the restaurant's owners didn't want it.

"The only persons that should pay are those responsible for the theft," they shared in a Facebook post.

And the statue's original artist, Joe Wenal of Rocky Mountain Carvers, got to work on a new commissioned replacement when he heard of the statue's theft.

To create good from bad and to take advantage of their recent publicity, Lucille's Luncheonette chose to host a lemonade stand with the intention of donating it to help others. And the community came out in droves to help.

So, Lucille's Luncheonette took the $2,741 that was raised, and donated it to Manahawkin-based David's Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation.

"Someone might have stolen our mascot, but they'll never steal our spirit," the owners said in a Facebook video.

The diner will host a Jersey Devil raising in the fall once the replacement has arrived.

"Thank You All from the bottom of our hearts, we can't wait to see our new Jersey Devil commissioned from Rocky Mountain Carvers in the fall," the owners said.

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Ohio resident Thomas L. Bintz in connection with the statue's theft. Read more: Warrant Issued For Theft Of Iconic Jersey Devil Statue In Stafford