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DURHAM JAYCEES PREPARING FOR 36TH ANNUAL HAUNTED HOUSE

 

DURHAM, NC (October 15, 2008) -  With Halloween nearing, the Durham Jaycees are hard at work planning their Haunted House.  Now entering its 36th year as a Durham tradition, this year’s Haunted House will again be held at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park on October 23rd - 25th and October 30th – November 1st.  Admission will be $7, but attendees can get $2 off by bringing certain in-kind donations to benefit local charities.  With this affordable price and a Haunted Hospital theme, the Jaycee Haunted House promises to provide another year of best-value thrills and chills.

 

The Jaycees began planning the event in August and started construction on the house in early October.  Proceeds raised through admissions and sponsorships directly benefit the Triangle Community.  Last year, the Haunted House raised $12,000 to help local charities.  This year, the Jaycees have picked one charity to benefit each night the house is open and representatives from that charity will be on hand to answer questions.  The selected charities include:

 

The Genesis House, a therapeutic community based residential drug treatment program providing long-term treatment and rehabilitation for the complicated client with multidimensional problems, will be at the Haunted House on Thursday, October 23rd.  Haunted House attendees can receive $2 off the cost of admission if they bring a package of large-sized diapers or large kitchen trash bags.

 

Habitat for Humanity of Durham, which transforms lives and communities by making homeownership possible in partnership with people who care, was selected as the beneficiary of the Friday, October 24th Haunted House.  Visitors on this night can receive $2 off by donating a new tape measure.

 

Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers, a comprehensive, long-term, residential substance abuse recovery program located in Durham, North Carolina, will receive proceeds from the Haunted House on Saturday, October 25th and attendees can receive $2 off admission by bringing new large size male or female hygiene products.

 

Meals on Wheels Durham, which delivers hot, nutritious meals to Durham County residents who are unable to provide or prepare meals for themselves, is the beneficiary for Thursday, October 30th.  $2 reduced admission can be received through the donation of a box of package cookies or a party-sized bag of candy.

 

The Animal Protection Society of Durham, which has been helping animals in the Durham community since 1970 and has managed the Durham County Animal Shelter since 1990, will be on-hand and will receive the proceeds from Friday, October 31st.  Visitors can receive $2 off through the donation of a can or dog or cat food on this night.

 

The Durham Crisis Response Center, the sole provider of comprehensive shelter and support services in the Durham area, providing counseling, legal advocacy, support groups, and shelter to survivors and their families in the aftermath of domestic or sexual violence, will benefit from proceeds raised on Saturday, November 1st.  Attendees can receive $2 off the cost of admission with the donation of a packaged roll of toilet paper or paper towel.

 

Also, on Wednesday, October 29th, athletes from UNC and Duke will be on hand to help staff the Haunted House.  Attendees can receive $1 off admission if they wear an item supporting the school of their choice.  At the end of the night, the school that has the most support from its attendees will get to donate the night’s proceeds to the charity of their choice.  The UNC Athletes have selected the Jaycee Burn Center at UNC Hospitals while the Duke Athletes have selected the Downtown Durham Athletic Association.

 

The reward from the Haunted House is by no means a one way street though according to Jaycees President Michael White, who says: “We really look forward to hosting the Haunted House each year, because we get so much out of it.  We are so thankful to the City of Durham and the Durham Bulls for letting us use the stadium and to all the other countless businesses and individuals who dedicate time or money to help us with this.  It’s something that helps the community, but also helps our members develop as individuals.”  With representatives from the Durham Police Department, the Haunted House also provides a safe venue for Halloween celebrations.  Says event organizer, Brooke Christian: “We would love to have everyone come out to enjoy a fun and safe Halloween with us, while helping out the Triangle community.”

 

 

About The Durham Jaycees

The Durham Jaycees is a chapter of the United States Junior Chamber and has been operating in Durham since 1938.  The organization provides young professionals of the Triangle area with an opportunity to develop essential leadership skills through community service.  Notable members have included Durham Mayor Bill Bell and Durham City Councilman Mike Woodard.