HALLOWEEN EVENTS Haunted house to raise money for American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is the beneficiary of the fund-raising event.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
BOARDMAN -- Several area businesses have joined forces in an effort to scare up some extra funds for charity.
A haunted house has found a home in the parking lot of the Chili's Restaurant at Southern Park Mall and, like other haunts in the area, is offering a scare to anyone willing to pay the admission price.
The proceeds from this house will be handed over to the American Cancer Society.
"We always try to stay active in the community and wanted to do something for the American Cancer Society," said Corey Ward, event promoter and Chili's manager. "Because it is so close to Halloween, building a haunted house here in the parking lot just seemed like the right fit."
Two wooden structures, painted black and situated side by side, are less than 20 feet from the restaurant. Patrons snake their way through a maze of hallways in each house. Ward said 23 rooms containing dozens of ghost, goblins and other Halloween favorites roam inside the house waiting for guests.
Volunteering time
Visitors, however, need not worry too much about the frightening faces peeking around corners and coming out of the dark. Before sliding into the costumes and face paints donated by Ward's Costumes of Niles, those witches and ghosts are area high school students.
The students, Ward said, are donating their time because the proceeds are going to charity. He said some students are using the event as a drama class exercise and others may receive extra credit in class.
Home Depot manager Todd Jones spent long hours over a three-week period putting the two haunted structures together. Home Depot donated the wood and building materials for the project at cost, but Jones volunteered his personal time in labor.
"We are big supporters of the [cancer society's] Relay for Life and try to get involved with other things for charity," Jones said. "I wouldn't have taken the time out to do this for any other reason."
Other contributors are Clear Channel Radio and Mike Fagan of Jaminet Architects.
Ward is aware that there are several other places area residents can go to get a scare during this time of year, but he is hoping for a good turnout because of the charitable aspect. The goal is to raise about $30,000 by the time the event ends Nov. 2. Admission is $10.
jgoodwin@vindy.com