Fundraiser helps child's family
BY DAVE BENJAMIN
Staff Writer

Jackson

JACKSON - A recent fundraising Easter egg hunt has helped to raise $3,000 for the family of 3-year-old Colleen Nagy. The child has acute myeloid leukemia and is being treated at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick.

"It went beyond our wildest dreams," said Mike Kafton, who hosted the event at the White Butterfly, County Line Road. "When it comes to the health and well-being of children, no one hesitates to make a contribution."

He said more than 500 children and their families attended the event.

"You could almost feel the concern that people had for this little girl," Kafton said.

Even though the weather was chilly on April 7, families lined up with their children to take a pony ride with Sherry Cella of the Honky Tonk Zoo. Cella donated her ponies and her time, as did Sweetheart the Clown, who twisted colorful balloons into all kinds of animal shapes, while her daughter, Macaroni 'n Cheese, painted pictures on the faces of the youngsters.

Also contributing their time were Rob and Robbie Zangrillo who sketched "character" pictures for the children.

Co-sponsoring the event was the Moms Club of Jackson East whose president, Lori Bannach, was instrumental in organizing the fundraiser. Bannach and her team of volunteers distributed fliers throughout Jackson alerting residents to the fundraiser.

The Moms Club donated hot dogs, hamburgers and baked goods for the event.

The Jackson Women of Today sold cookies and provided gift baskets which were presented to lucky ticket holders.

In addition, five Webkinz stuffed animals were given away.

"I also have to thank all of the local merchants who so generously contributed to the day," said Kafton. "They include McDonald's, Burger King, Jersey Mike's, Farley's Ice Cream, Dunkin' Donuts, Rita's Ices, Capricci, Chicken Holiday, Inzillo's, La Dolce Vita, ShopRite, Dante's, Emilio's, Classic Caterers and Day Break Marketing."

Kafton said the merchants' donations assured that almost every youngster received some kind of gift certificate.

"Jackson residents came out in big numbers for Colleen and it makes me so proud to live in this community," said Kafton. "At times like this we feel more like the small town we once were rather than the growing metropolis we have become."