Seasonal & Holidays

This Neptune Halloween Home Raises Money To Fight Kids' Cancer

They've added new animatronics and will even have live ghosts this year. This NJ couple has raised $10,000 for pediatric cancer research:

NEPTUNE TOWNSHIP, NJ — Everyone loves to check out houses decorated for Halloween. And one home in Shark River Hills not only has one of the largest displays in the area, but also collects money for kids fighting cancer.

The home is located at 113 Highland Avenue in Shark River Hills in Neptune and it's owned by Jim and Laura Granelli.

Jim said he always loved to decorate for Halloween, but he started collecting money for pediatric cancer research seven years ago, after he himself was diagnosed with cancer.

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"Having dealt with cancer and the fear I had, I can only imagine how much scarier it can be for a child," said Jim.

There is no fee, but if you want to donate, look for the collection box out front. All donations will go to the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, which funds pediatric cancer research.

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In the past seven years of the display, the Granellis say they've raised more than $10,000 for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. Last year, they beat their original goal of $1,500, raising $1,754 in donations. This year, they increased their goal to $2,200.

"If everyone who came donated just $10, we'd blow right past that goal," said Jim.

Last year, one Jersey Shore family gave a private anonymous donation to the Halloween display in memory of their son, Colin, who was born with a rare brain tumor and passed away. The Granellis shared a note from the family who said their display made them smile and "helped with the healing" of Colin's death.

Jim and Laura also have a QR code if you simply would like to donate to the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation.

This year's theme is Bizzaro Circus & Midway, and the Granellis say their home is most likely the biggest and most elaborate Halloween display in the area. The couple says they've added new additions and more haunted spirits this year, with nearly 3,000 square feet dedicated to the display. They have fog machines, spooky music and more than 14 animatronics as well as lively ghosts "who may even be visiting on Halloween night."

"And, if the spirits are feeling generous, there might be a surprise or two," said Laura Granelli. “We’ve been doing Halloween big for some 13 years now, especially after Hurricane Sandy to thank volunteers who helped us after the storm and to give back. Jim’s really built it up over the years and many of the display pieces are handmade. Not only will two animatronics be returning this year after being asleep in the crypt for a couple of years, but all the old standbys are also back along with new ones. And to be sure there will be new items to haunt our visitors."

"It’s a lot of work to set up and maintain, but it’s worth it considering the laughter from children and adults alike," she said. "Even our dearly departed Labradors, Jessie and Delia will be showing up.”

Their home also just happens to be located right next door to a "haunted" graveyard.


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