Scary fun for kindness

Scary fun for kindness: Aurora’s House of Horror is Coming to a Site Near You

Aurora, Colorado is a vibrant city full of culture and diversity, with a strong sense of community and people who are committed to ‘giving back’ and working to make things better.

One such citizen is Dan Beals, a local business owner with a passion for doing good. Like many in the community, the COVID crisis has taken a high toll; Dan feels like everybody could use a break, and maybe a little fun. So he spun up an idea that – according to him – seemed crazy: Aurora’s House of Horror.

Aurora’s House of Horror is a pop-up haunted house / outdoor event that will move every weekend in October. Featuring a giant tent with “scare rooms” inside, food trucks, activity tents, and other vendors, the traveling Halloween-themed festival will appear in the parking lots of various shopping areas around the city. It will be open in one location every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, moving to a new location each week.

Turns out that Dan isn’t alone. Other business and organizations in the community have jumped on board, everyone committed to bringing a fun night out to families in the area.

“This is an event for the community, thrown by the community” says Dan. “The amazing thing about it is, you can send your 15-year-old across the street with their friends, and they can have a fun night being scared right next to home. Or you can bring your younger ones with you, play some games or get their faces painted, have a treat or some food, and you don’t have to go very far.”

The event is an adaptation to the circumstances of these unusual times, and an example of the enterprising creativity and caring character that Colorado is known for. And in a period where the rates of teen suicide, self-harm and bullying are exploding at an alarming rate, Dan sees this event as one small way to help. Getting youth and families out for a fun, safe event is part of it. Supporting Rachel’s Challenge is the other.

“Throwing this kind of an event, I believe, can help uplift our community and bring light to our winters. Teaming up with Rachel’s Challenge is the perfect local charity organization to give back to. Their mission is to help prevent school violence, bullying, and suicide. We are giving back a portion of the proceeds to Rachel’s Challenge, to help our youth.”

Headquartered in Denver, Rachel’s Challenge is the nation’s leading school intervention program for ending school violence and improving youth mental health and Social Emotional Learning.

Rachel’s Challenge Executive Director, Development Kristi Krings: “When Dan called me, I said absolutely yes, we’re in” she says. “People need connection, now more than ever. And this is a great, safe way for people to connect to each other and feel that they are not alone, that there is still a community around them, and they are a part of it.”

Local businesses and interested members of the community are invited to participate directly. Sponsorship opportunities and vendor positions are still available, and Dan is also calling for donations of Halloween decorations and for volunteers to help staff the event and help with setup. Interested parties can get in touch directly via the website and social pages.

“Nothing like this has been done, but it’s the perfect event for the time we are in. It’s a great way for the people of Aurora to have a fun, safe event right in their backyard. We’re bringing the fun to you.”

The event starts Oct. 1, ending Oct. 31. Locations will be announced on the website and social channels.

“The time is now to be involved. We are looking for people of the community to help with this event. This will be very big and a lot of fun for all that is involved. Get ready Aurora, we’re coming to scare you.”

Ways you can help: