MENDHAM, NJ — More than 15 years of buying raffle tickets paid off in a big way for one longtime supporter of Mendham's annual Labor Day Carnival.
Boonton resident Tony Santillo won $100,000 in the 50/50 raffle held as part of the 83rd annual Pastime Labor Day Carnival, according to Pastime Club Chair Dan Ecke Jr.
Santillo was presented with his check during a Sept. 14 ceremony outside the Pastime Club. The $100,000 award represents the state gaming cap for the prize, organizers said.
According to the club, Santillo has purchased a full book of raffle tickets each year for more than 15 years. This year, he bought his tickets about a month before Labor Day from a co-worker who belongs to the Pastime Club.
The raffle's total prize pool climbed to $200,000 this year, a significant increase from most previous years.
The Pastime Club will use its share of the proceeds to support youth athletics and other organizations in Mendham, Chester and Bernardsville.
Organizations receiving charitable support from the club this year include Morris Rugby Corp., West Morris Mendham Field Hockey, the American Cancer Society, Bernards Baseball Booster Club, Twin Boro Bears Cheerleading, American Legion Post 342, Chester-Mendham Baseball & Softball Club, Mendham High School Volleyball Boosters and Chester Mendham Cooperstown 2026, among others.
"This is our big weekend," Ecke said. "From me and every member of The Pastime Club, we want to thank all the families that came out and enjoyed four absolutely fantastic days of the Labor Day Carnival."
Ecke also thanked those who purchased raffle tickets and encouraged residents to participate again next year.
More Than A Century In Mendham
Founded in 1915, the Pastime Club is a nonprofit civic and fraternal organization with a longstanding focus on supporting youth athletics in the local community.
Club officials say the organization sponsors local teams and leagues, purchases equipment for athletic fields and awards scholarships to student-athletes. It also supports local veterans organizations and serves as the chartering organization for Boy Scout Troop 1.
The club is also behind one of Mendham's biggest annual traditions: the Labor Day Carnival.
The carnival dates to 1943 and is held at Borough Field during the weekend leading into Labor Day. The four-day celebration features rides, games, and food and is followed by the annual Mendham Labor Day Parade, which travels up Main Street before concluding at Borough Field.
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