Rumson PTO Fall Festival Today

The first day of fall may be tomorrow, Sept. 22, but the Rumson PTO is getting a jump start on the season with its first fall festival today.

The first-time event, the proceeds of which will benefit the Rumson schools, will host an array of games, food and music on the grounds of the Deane-Porter School's playground from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

According to the PTO's Carolyn Cashion, there will be three large bounce houses, cotton candy, snow cones, prizes for the games and a DJ "generously sponsoredby the KDM Foundation," which also assisted in funding the playground on which the event will take place.

The KDM Foundation was formed in honor of Rumson and Fair Haven native Keith McHeffey, who was killed in the terrorist attacks on the NY World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

"Keith was a kind and giving person that will never be forgotten by his family or friends," the description of the foundation reads on its Web site. "He spent his life giving of himself to others. Now, we are giving back to the community in his good name. His life was a testament on 'how to live.'"

The KDM Foundation has been known to donate to Rumson, Fair Haven and Sea Bright youth sports initiatives and programs, such as the playground, in addition to awarding annual scholarships in McHeffey's name to R-FH high school students.

The Deane Porter playground was completed last September, Cashion said.