Haunted Halloween Fundraiser



The Canteen

Basically, the Haunted Halloween Fundraiser was a Halloween "party" for elementary kids were they could come and participate in activities such as cookie-decorating, pumpkin weight guessing, a haunted maze, etc. for a couple of hours. The entrance fee was a simple donation that would go towards the orphanage (our CAS goal for the year). Considering all the parts that went into this event, I believe it was both the Creativity and Service part of CAS. Creativity was found in creating halloween-themed events appropriate for young children, and Service is, of course, taking into account all the time we spent; not only for the actual event, but for organizing, setting up, taking down, etc.

Indulging our "inner" childishness!

This event was, to put it in simplest terms, a learning experience. This was the first time for the grade 11 CAS students (with the help of the grade 12's) to organize an event from the ground up, as well as working together as a group. And really, we didn't do to shabby of a job. We got our supplies together, posters made, and the actual setup, event, and takedown ran very smoothly.

But, of course, there was a catch.

Getting the word out.

A fairie, a gypsy, Scoobie-Doo, a pirate, and a beer head?

I believe that our group's biggest mistake was assuming that merely getting posters out to elementary schools would do the trick. We didn't follow up and make sure that the letters were getting sent out to parents or that anybody was actually aware. For this, I have to fully thank all the Westwood teachers who brought their kids out to the event. If not for them, there would have been virtually no one at all. And what a shame, because like I said earlier, we had organized a pretty wicked event. And I shall quote Mr. Valentim on this, as he said that "all we needed was a mat" and the kids would have had a blast jumping on it for a couple of hours.

Posing by the yummiest station ever:
the cookie decorating station!

Despite the poor turnout, the kids had fun, and our group definitely did as well. We learned more on how to work as a team, and it didn't hurt to be reminded how little it took to amuse our elementary school-aged selves. I would never hesitate to do this event again, and I'm especially eager to apply our newfound knowledge (advertise, advertise, advertise!) next year and create an amazing event that will draw in lots of donations and kids!

CAS Components:
Creativity: Planning the event.
Action: Efforts and proceeds go towards GO! International's social service project, Hero Home.
Service: Volunteer hours earned.