H2O Pumpkin Palooza 2019

Pumpkin Palooza was a great success; the event raised $3,270.00 to donate to Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corporation and Lakewood Community Services Center while providing memorable fun for kids in Lakewood. We heard from families that they were proud to live in a community where so many people, organizations, and businesses contributed to this special event. Best of all, it was hosted and run by teen volunteers in the City of Lakewood’s H2O “Help to Others” program.

One story from this year that exemplifies the spirit of Pumpkin Palooza is the large pizza donation from Roman Fountain pizza. The owners, Bill and Joan Campbell, donate every year to Palooza, so that was nothing new. This year, however, they suffered the misfortune of a burst water pipe in their business. They were closed weeks before the event but negotiated with another local business, Italian Creations, to bake pizzas on their behalf. Bill said that they wouldn’t want to miss a year of being part of Pumpkin Palooza. Their dedication, even during a time of adversity, and the cooperation of Italian Creations are the spirit of Lakewood and were an extra-special part of our event.

The goal of Pumpkin Palooza is to raise money for hunger relief while bringing the community together for Halloween fun. We accomplish this, thanks to Pumpkin Palooza sponsors. This year, our major EVENT SPONSORS included Paisley Monkey, Greg DeVor, DDS, lion and blue, Lakewood Rangers Education Foundation, Howard Hanna, Kelly Payne and Sarah Pierce, Realtors, and Erie DeSign. In addition to the food donations from Roman Fountain and Hungry Howies, Pumpkin Palooza served fresh coffee from Root Café and pastries from Elmwood Café and KB Confections as well as from cooking classes at Lakewood High School and Division of Aging volunteers. Trikeable Treats brought both treats AND FUN with frozen goodies sold by none other than the "Ice Cream Man," Jeff Worron. Jeff and Torey Worron, owners and operators of Trikeable Treats, are deeply involved in community organizations and H2O is grateful to have their support!

Entertainment was abundant at Pumpkin Palooza. Lakewood Public Library provided continuous storytelling throughout the event and early childhood centers brought crafts for young guests, including Lakewood Child Care Center, Lakewood Montessori School, Lakewood Community Care Center, Brownstone Day School, The Centers for Families and Children, and the Lakewood Family Room. Lakewood High School classes and clubs provided games and activities, including caricatures by Art Club, a recycling game by Environmental Club, French Club game, a nail painting station by the Facing History Girls Group, and a Nerf game by Electronics class. One of the most popular features of the last few years has been the Haunted Hallway, coordinated by Lakewood High School senior Jane Kalinowski and family. Jane’s sister, Ella, is a freshman so we expect this awesome tradition to continue.

Of course, no mention of Pumpkin Palooza is complete without acknowledging the creativity of the Great Pumpkin Patch. This year, 130 decorated pumpkins were donated and auctioned! This feature of the event contributes to the amount of money we raise and donate. However, browsing the display and taking in the sights is part of the fun, too. Thank you to the early childhood centers, aftercare programs, Brownie Troop 70402, Emerson Cares, Beck Center, Lakewood Alive, Lakewood Public Library, Larsen Architects, LHS French Club, LHS National Honors Society, Facing History Girls Group, and various Westshore classes for the donations!

We’re already looking forward to Pumpkin Palooza 2020- make sure to look for fliers next fall and check H2O social media so you don’t miss out on the excitement and fun!