AARF Zombie Prom Puts the Fun in Fundraising
Kathy Clayton
The Ashland Beacon
The undead will be gathering at the McConnell House on October 13 for Ashland Animal Rescue Fund’s first Zombie Prom fundraising event. Cathy Queen Executive Director of AARF, shared, “We are looking forward to a SPOOKTACULAR event. The volunteers have taken the lead on planning, decorating, advertising…the works. Their wonderful efforts are greatly appreciated! The community is in for a real TREAT!”
“We’re always looking for fresh new ideas to raise money,” said organizer Rebecca Fairchild. “We were brainstorming with our volunteers on different ideas, and someone said how about a zombie prom?”
The prom will be held on Friday the 13th from 6-10 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person in advance and $35 at the door. “We have a limited number of tickets available, so it’s advisable to buy them ahead,” Fairchild encouraged. “There’s going to be lots of prizes, giveaways,” Fairchild said. “We have many different items donated by local businesses and the community. Just a lot of people have donated stuff.”
The event will feature dancing, music provided by a DJ, games, and more. “We have a fortune-teller, and a photographer will be taking prom pictures, as well as a selfie station. This is an indoor/outdoor event. The McConnell House will provide a guide to give tours, and baked goods will be available inside. Cornhole games will be set up outside. We’re still planning some of the games,” Fairchild explained.
“We just want people to come out and have a good time. You can dress how you want; it doesn’t particularly have to the zombie prom theme,” Fairchild said, adding that costumes are not required. “Come as you like – you can be Jason from Halloween or anything. Get creative.” She noted that the organizers are planning a costume content, or a prom king and queen event, or both.
Fairchild said there will be food trucks available for purchasing dinner or snacks – Yommaste, Dragonfly, and Street Shawarma. In addition, the folks from Russell’s craft brewery and tea shop, Eridanus, will be selling drinks.
“As a non-profit organization, we are always trying to raise money. Without the support of the community, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” Fairchild declared. “We are always trying to pay off our vet bill. As you can imagine, there is a constant need to care for the animals in our area. Please come out and have fun, and help the animals at the same time.”
