HOWELL – In recognition of her fundraising achievements, an 8-year-old Howell resident was given a proclamation on behalf of the governing body at the last Township Council meeting.
Ariya Barrell, 8, has picked a cold winter day to stand outside and sell hot chocolate for the past three winters. Her objective for the hot chocolate stand was to raise funds to donate to local animal shelters to help various rescue dogs and cats.
“The governing body of the township of Howell wishes to make this opportunity to recognize Ariya Barrell and commend her for her generosity, determination, compassion, and wish her continued success in all her fundraising endeavors,” Mayor John Leggio read from the proclamation certificate.
Her goal, at first glance in 2022, was to fundraise $200 to donate to the Monmouth County SPCA. The hot chocolate stand in front of her home was so successful, she amounted to an impressive $1,140 in proceeds.
Following the first year’s success, Barrell hosted her hot chocolate stand again in 2023, this time raising approximately $2,000 for the Monmouth County SPCA.
For her third year of fundraising, Barrell donated all proceeds to a smaller, local animal shelter that was closer to home. In 2024, the Humane Society in Tinton Falls received a $4,160 donation from the proceeds of Barrell’s stand.
The combined total of $7,300 over the three years was donated in full to the two animal shelters.
Barrell attended numerous community service events prior to her hot chocolate stand in the past, which encouraged her to create a fundraiser of her own. Having rescue dogs as part of her own family, she wanted to make a difference in more dogs’ lives.
“She’s a fine young lady from our community and this is very well deserved for what she has been doing,” Mayor Leggio said. “I am very proud to have her as a Howell resident.”
Mayor John Leggio reads Ariya’s proclamation during a recent Township Council meeting. (Photo by Liz Ciocher)
Many residents of Howell attended the meeting to show support for Ariya, filling the seats.
While she was too shy to address the council or large crowd, her appreciation continued to shine through. She shed a tear as Mayor Leggio read her proclamation, and shook every council person’s hand in gratitude.
“Thank you everybody for supporting us, and thank you for coming out for Ariya,” her mother said. “We’ll be doing the event again on December 6th this year. We also want to thank everyone here for recognizing Ariya and for encouraging her.”
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