Carve 4 Cancer Raises Over $16,000 for Local Cancer Program

Carve 4 Cancer has successfully raised over $16,100 for the Windsor Regional Cancer Program. This annual fundraiser invites local businesses to sponsor the creation of large pumpkins, which can weigh up to 80 lbs, and transform them into intricate carvings. The event not only supports cancer patients but also fosters community engagement through a creative competition.

Community Engagement Through Creativity

During the last week of October, the carved pumpkins are displayed at the cancer center, where both patients and staff participate in judging. They cast their votes through a paper ballot system, while the public has the opportunity to vote online via Facebook. This year marked the eighth iteration of the event, which has now raised a total of $93,408 since its inception.

Lindsey Bareich, the founder of Carve 4 Cancer, expressed her pride in the event’s growth since its launch in 2018. “I started this when I was 12, and I actually can’t believe how far we’ve come. At 12 years old, going into boardrooms was super scary,” she shared. Bareich’s journey from a young organizer to a community leader reflects the impact of the fundraiser.

Creative Pumpkin Masterpieces Shine

This year, the competition featured a standout entry from Shock Pros Motorsports, located at 1280 County Road 46 in South Woodslee. Their Cinderella-themed pumpkin carriage won both the Online Voting Award and the In-Person Voting Award in their debut year. Owner Garett Hendy revealed that assembling the winning pumpkin took a week, with one to two hours of work each day. “The tricky part was it took us a week to gather all the bits and pieces for it. We didn’t want to spend a lot of money on it either,” Hendy noted, emphasizing the community spirit behind their creation.

They sourced materials from thrift stores and even utilized personal items contributed by staff members. “The Barbie that’s in there is one of the girls’ that works for us daughter’s,” he added, highlighting the collaborative effort that went into their pumpkin carving.

The Judges’ Choice award went to a Beetlejuice-themed pumpkin submitted by Centerline, showcasing the diverse creativity of participants. Additionally, the title of Highest Fundraiser was awarded to the Orange Ballers, the 2009 Caboto Girls Soccer Team, further demonstrating the community’s commitment to supporting the cancer program.

Overall, Carve 4 Cancer continues to unite local businesses and residents in a meaningful way, combining artistry with a cause that resonates deeply within the community. As the event grows, it strengthens the support for those affected by cancer in the Windsor area.