For the 25th year, the farmers at Jones Family Farms held their UNICEF Family Festival this past weekend. Guests were able to donate funds directly to UNICEF in cans and the traditional orange collection boxes, or by purchasing tickets for fun items such as face painting, button making, pumpkin painting and more.
Terry Jones announced today that the farm was able to pool over $7,000 for the charity this year. “Together with my wife Jean, we have always treasured the ability to help the children of the world through the great work of UNICEF. When we see that the community here at our farm is able to raise that kind of money, it just makes our hearts full,” said Jones. “Our ‘All-You-Can-Carry’ pumpkin special seems to be helping too. I hear many stories of people doing the ‘special’ so that they can deliver pumpkins to friends and neighbors who may not be able to physically make it out to the farm.”
“The families really enjoy this weekend every year. It’s so fun to see them all in costume and enjoying some of the entertainment we have each year,” said Keith Padin, Hospitality Manager at the farm. “This year we had Magician Bryan Lizotte, Chef Sherry Swanson, some amazing local actors reading stories and of course the Center Stage Theater teens from right here in Shelton volunteering their time for the event. They help make this such a great family outing each year.”
Terry Jones estimates that with this year’s funds the 25-year total of the festival is close to $100,000 in donations straight to UNICEF. Jones Family Farms will continue to collect donations and offer the “All-You-Can-Carry” special at their Pumpkinseed Hill farm (120 Beardsley Road, Shelton) straight through 4pm on October 31st when the farm closes its pumpkin patch for the year.
Pumpkinseed Hill is a part of Jones Family Farms and is located at 120 Beardsley Road in Shelton, Connecticut, off Route 110 - 5 miles North of Shelton Center and 2 miles south of the junction of Route 110 and 111 in Monroe. For more information call the Farmer Jones Hot Line – (203) 929-8425 or visit the Jones website at: JonesFamilyFarms.com.