An Italian specialty store in Manasquan is holding its annual tree lighting ceremony to kick off the season of giving by raising money to benefit children with cancer.

It's the second year that Pastosa Ravioli held the event to benefit the Ashley Lauren Foundation.

"Anything we can do to help," says Christopher Falato, co-owner of Pastosa Ravioli. "We have games set up, raffles, face painting, balloons and food for everyone. Everything is donation based and will go to them."

Ashley Mills is a pediatric cancer survivor. Her mother, Monica Vermeulen, founded the Ashley Lauren Foundation in 2007.

"That passion was so strong in me," says Vermeulen. "I wanted to do something for the children going through the same thing that we went through."

Nearly 400 people came out to support the fundraising effort.