University of Mary Washington “Carves for a Cure”

University of Mary Washington (UMW) Dining Services by Sodexo and the UMW student chapter of Relay for Life co-hosted a pumpkin carving contest on Monday, October 30th to help raise funds for cancer research.

Participants included Fredericksburg area residents and UMW campus community members who carved individually or in teams for the contest, or simply carved a pumpkin for fun. Carvers made a $5 donation for a pumpkin, but any donation was accepted.

Jack-O-Lanterns were completed by 5 p.m. at which time the entries were reviewed by a judging panel headed by UMW President Dr. Troy Paino. Judging was based upon the originality, theme, and overall execution of the design.

The top three entries received prizes donated by Riverby Books, Chick-fil-A, CiCi's Pizza, Sweet Frog, and Virginia Deli.

Carving tools were provided by UMW Dining Services/Sodexo, and pumpkins were donated by local growers and businesses, including Meadows Farms, Evergreen Acres, Lowe's, and Wegmans.

Free hot cider and caramel apples were available for the pumpkin carvers and spectators, courtesy of UMW Dining Services.

“Whether attendees joined in the contest, made a donation for cancer research, or just watched the Jack-O-Lantern carvers at work, everyone had a great time at Carve for a Cure,” said Rose Benedict, UMW Dining Services marketing manager. “Many thanks to UMW Relay for Life students Marleigh Eure, Amanda Leonard, Paige Lobu and Josh Smallwood for the great work they did in helping to organize this wonderful event".

For additional information contact UMW Dining at 540-654-2165 or Dining@UMW.edu or Rose Benedict, 540-654-2169 or rbenedic@umw.edu.