Haunted Central Raises $18K In Funds For Lemont Schools, Families

LEMONT, IL — In its fourth and final year, Haunted Central opened its doors on Oct. 27 and 28 to raise money for the District 113A Educational Foundation and the Hope & Friendship Foundation in Lemont. The foundation said the haunted house raised over $18,000 in ticket sale profits and hosted over 2,000 guests over the two-day event. The proceeds from the event will fund innovative educational programs at District 113A and help local families in need.

“This was our most successful year in the four years we’ve been hosting the event,” sCarolyn Cesarz, President District 113A Educational Foundation, said in a release. “We especially want to thank CITGO our Diamond Level sponsor, and the many local businesses and volunteers for their generous giving and overwhelming support.”

Transforming Central School, which has been shuttered since 2012, into a haunted house is no simple task, according to the foundation. With over 200 volunteers, it is truly a collaborative community event.

Cindy Kelly, School District 113A Board of Education member and the event organizer for the past four
years, said in a release, “We are so grateful to the hundreds of volunteers who made this event a success.
They outdid themselves this year!”

Volunteers included SD113A staff, numerous local businesses, Lemont High School, the Lemont Fire Protection District, Lemont Police Department and members from across the community.

Over its four-year run, it has raised over $66,000 and hosted over 8,000 visitors. Dr. Courtney Orzel, District 113A Superintendent, greeted each visitor at the doors of Haunted Central.

“It’s been a fun four years! We look forward to supporting future fundraisers hosted by the Educational Foundation to benefit the students of District 113A,” Orzel said in a release.

Photo provided by Lemont SD113A Educational Foundation.