Pumpkins FOR a Pediatric Hospital

Following her two sons’ experiences with Oishei Children’s Hospital (OCH), Erin knew that she wanted to give back somehow. Even while donating a portion of her commissions from her job at RE/MAX in Buffalo, she wanted to do more. And in 2020, she found just the way to do it – pumpkins!

As those close to Erin know, she adores Halloween. The unique decorations, trick-or-treaters traveling across the neighborhood and the various ways that people celebrate all warm her heart. What better way to raise money for OCH than through one of her favorite holidays?

In 2020, Erin decided to start a pumpkin decorating contest. Taking to social media, friends and family, she sold pumpkins that she encouraged the buyers to carve, paint or decorate to enter into a friendly competition. They submitted their photos onto her Facebook page and the one with the most likes would win an Amazon gift card! In her first year, Erin sold 100 pumpkins! In the following year, she was able to beat her number, raising it to 104 and once again beating that number in 2023 with 118!

“Each year, it gets bigger and bigger as we learn more. This year, we even had my son’s hockey team over for a movie night to watch and carve pumpkins,” Erin said. “Having two children that needed OCH, I want to show them how fortunate they are and how giving back should be a natural part of their lives.”

Erin looks forward to continuing this fun tradition next year and raising even more!