East Northport Family's Halloween Bake Sale Has Raised $33K For Food Pantry

EAST NORTHPORT, NY — An East Northport family's annual Halloween bake sale is returning for its 22nd year on Saturday, Oct. 31, continuing a tradition that has raised $33,000 for the Northport Food Pantry since 2005.

The fundraiser, organized by the Perles family at their home at 39 Kalmia Street, began when then-7-year-old Dylan Perles decided to give back to her community. What started as a small table of cupcakes has since grown into a neighborhood event that draws returning customers, local business donations and volunteers each Halloween.

Last year's sale raised $3,600, which organizer Zoe Perles said was the family's highest single-year total.

"It is always helpful to have very, very generous people who help us publicize this event and reach people who hadn't heard about it," Zoe told Patch. "We have built a fan base over the years. There are neighbors and community members who always know that this happens. They show up every single year without having to be reminded."

Zoe said the fundraiser's continued growth has encouraged more residents to attend and contribute beyond the price of the baked goods they purchase.

"I think the more that we do this, I think it means more and more to people every year," she said. "I think it's something that they feel very connected to — they feel like they're a part of it — because they are a part of it."

Perles said some visitors will purchase an item for $5 but give the family $20, knowing the additional money will support the food pantry.

The family is preparing for another busy Halloween this year, with the event beginning at 11 a.m. and continuing until supplies run out. With Halloween falling on a Saturday, Zoe said she expects an extended day of fundraising and a larger turnout.

"We're expecting a very, very, very busy, much longer event than usual, and we're really looking forward to it," she said.

This year's fundraiser will also introduce raffles, featuring prizes donated by the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport, La Porta, Hydrangea Home and The Consignment Shop. Visitors will be able to purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes.

The family will offer a variety of baked goods, including Halloween-decorated sugar cookies, pumpkin bread and other homemade treats, along with vegan and gluten-free options.

Zoe, who was diagnosed with celiac disease two years ago, said the addition of more dietary options helped broaden the event's appeal last year. Although the family's kitchen is not exclusively gluten-free, she said extensive precautions are taken when preparing those items.

Among the most popular offerings are the family's decorated sugar cookies, which volunteers spend hours preparing with Halloween-themed designs.

Zoe said children particularly enjoy choosing their favorite decorations, while longtime visitors often return specifically for her mother Hallie Brenner's pumpkin bread.

"She’s been making this genuinely my entire life, and not just for the bake sale, for so many people in our life all throughout the fall," Zoe said.

The family prepares around 60 to 70 loaves of pumpkin bread for the event, she said, with demand continuing to grow each year.

"Everyone always wants them and they always sell out and people always want more," she said. "It's kind of the bake sale staple at this point."

The family says the fundraiser has become inseparable from the holiday itself.

Dylan first proposed the Halloween bake sale in 2005 after discussing volunteering and community service with their parents. The family raised approximately $100 during the inaugural event.

At the time, Zoe was 5 years old, and her younger sister, Kyra, was still an infant.

"I honestly can't remember a time in my life when I did not associate Halloween with the bake sale," Zoe said. "This is what Halloween has always meant for me. My family's been doing this since I was five years old."

The annual event has grown into a family tradition involving their parents, Greg Perles and Hallie Brenner, along with Dylan, Zoe and Kyra.

Now, 22 years after the tradition began, Zoe said its importance extends beyond the money collected for the Northport Food Pantry.

"I think that a lot of people are naturally drawn towards good, Zoe said. "They want to do something to give back to their community and to engage with their neighbors."

The event also relies on a growing network of volunteers and businesses.

Zoe specifically recognized the Dowling family — Susan, Ryan, Maggie and Tom — and the Canfora family — Alexa, Ben and Emma — for their contributions to the fundraiser. The family also acknowledged the support of family friend Emily Goldman.

Local businesses donating to this year's event include Copenhagen Bakery, The UPS Store of East Northport, Northshore Bagels, Hydrangea Home, IGA of Northport, The Consignment Shop, Walgreens of Northport, Pat's Meat Market in East Northport, Stop & Shop locations in Northport and East Northport, La Porta, Dunkin' Donuts in Northport and Amore Pizza.

Zoe said partnerships are essential to the fundraiser's continued success as the amount of food prepared each Halloween has grown significantly.

"It just wouldn't be possible to do the event at the scale that we now do it if it weren't for these people," she said.

All proceeds are donated to the Northport Food Pantry, which provides food assistance to local families; however, the fundraiser's success is measured by more than dollars raised.

"Everyone who has ever lent a hand in any capacity, they should feel so proud," she said. "And more than that, I think that they should feel empowered."

The 22nd annual Halloween bake sale will take place Saturday, Oct. 31, beginning at 11 a.m. at 39 Kalmia Street in East Northport. The event will continue until supplies run out.

Cash, checks and Venmo will be accepted at the event. Those who cannot attend can contribute in advance through Venmo at @Greg-Perles.

For questions or additional information, email bakesale39@gmail.com.