Setauket Presbyterian Church displays handmade pumpkins with a purpose

Setauket Presbyterian Church displays handmade pumpkins with a purpose

By Toni-Elena Gallo

Setauket Presbyterian Church proudly displayed over 1,000 colorful, glass pumpkins, blown by artist Gregory Tomb during a fall fundraiser from September 27 to 29.

Tomb, who operates a glassblowing studio in Upstate New York, as well as Phoenix, AZ., has worked with a variety of charities, for many years, including the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Open Door Exchange, Long Island’s first and only furniture bank based in Port Jefferson Station, which provides anyone in need, crisis or life transition, with the furniture they need to begin their new lives.

Tomb says that when he is not teaching classes, or working private events, he derives great pleasure “from days like these,” which are about more than simply making money.

Ryan Haugstatter, the Director of Development at Open Door Exchange, was overjoyed to welcome Tomb through Setauket Presbyterian’s doors, and shared that “20% of the proceeds,” will directly support ODE’s mission of providing locals with the services they deserve.

For more information on Tomb, and his work, please visit glasspumpkinpatchfundraiser.com, and for more information on ODE, visit opendoorexchange.com.