Submitted by Scott Brinckerhoff
(November 29, 2022) —Haddam’s food and fuel bank received more than $6,000 in donations from late October’s Haunted House event, more than doubling what it raised in the previous year.
“There’s so much good in this community when we set aside differences and work toward the common goal of helping our neighbors,” said Chuck Cook, who first came up with the Haunted House idea years ago.
“We are beyond grateful,” said Jessica Condil, Haddam’s Director of Senior and Social Services. “These funds will help our vulnerable residents get through the winter months.”
Cook said credit for the event’s success goes not just to the volunteers who helped to fund and set up the exhibits, but to the whole town for turning out over its three-day run.
“The Lions Club and Liberty Bank partnered with us, and many individual businesses pitched in,” he added. “The tattoo parlor artists did face painting, the hardware store guys gave away popcorn and collected hundreds of dollars more in donations, and other volunteers from Lionheart Militaria handed out free hot dogs.”
In addition, Cook thanked everyone who helped launch the Fall Festival and tractor parade and the trunk-or-treat candy distribution.
Cook also recognized his core volunteers (above photo, with Cook): Frank and Lori Mucciacciaro and Ryan and Chelsea Cleveland, whose giant pumpkin (scary all by itself) was once again a crowd-pleaser.
Photo by Scott Brinckerhoff
