Attend The Second Annual Ashlyn Ferriero Carnival Fundraiser

The second annual carnival to benefit the Ashlyn Ferriero Educational Fund will take place August 10 to August 14 at the Frank G. Pelzman Memorial Park at Avenel, Tappen Street, Avenel. The carnival will feature rides, games, raffles and food. The hours for the event are as follows:

August 10 and 11: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
August 12: 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
August 13: 3:00 p.m to 11:00 p.m.
August 14: 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Fashion Love Ashlyn Educational Fund, Inc., a nonprofit organization created by Colonia resident Joseph Ferriero, the father of Ashlyn Ferriero. Ferriero's daughter was killed in 2007 when she was struck by a train as she and some friends crossed the train tracks at the NJTransit Avenel Street station in Woodbridge in 2007. She was 12.

"She was one of those types of kids who liked the newest fashions," Ferriero said as he discussed the reason behind the name of the educational fund. "She was also very generous with her clothes. She would give things away to friends."

Proceeds from the event will be distributed as scholarships to area students, Ferreiro said. Gift cards he either purchases or receives from local stores for clothes and shoes are given to needy families throughout the township, he said. A handful of stores located at the Woodbridge Center Mall have contributed gift cards to the cause, Ferreiro said.

To date, the non-profit organization has raised approximately $50,000, said Ferreiro, who added that he has awarded an average of $10,000 in scholarships each year to local students.

For more information, call Joseph Ferreiro at 732-382-7885 or email him at zippyman3@verizon.net.