The event raises money and donations to support shelters and people experiencing homelessness across Connecticut.
ANDOVER, Connecticut — Spooky season is here, and one haunted attraction is using frightful fun to make a real difference in Andover.
“Haunts for the Homeless,” a nonprofit event held at Fitch Family Farm, is inviting horror fans and families alike to experience chills and thrills while helping people in need.
The event is back for its second year, and it features a 3D haunted house and haunted trails. Visitors can expect to encounter creepy clowns, eerie scenes and even a creepy Santa Claus, all brought to life with special 3D glasses for a fully immersive experience.
“We have our chroma 3D haunted house, we have the terror trail; one scary, one not so scary,” said Jef Benson, director of Haunts for the Homeless.
But behind all the jump scares and screams lies a heartfelt mission. The event raises money and donations to support shelters and people experiencing homelessness across Connecticut.
“We help donate to shelters, feed the homeless, and we’ve got a backpack outreach,” Benson said. “We fill the backpacks with emergency blankets, tents, hoodies and food; as much as we can fit.”
Benson says the cause is personal. He once experienced homelessness himself and now wants to give others the hope and help he once needed.
“I don’t wish that on my worst enemy,” he said. “This is my legacy. I just want to help people because I’ve been there myself.”
Visitors like Curtis Daddario, of East Hartford, say that’s exactly why they came out to support the event.
“If it’s for a good cause, I’m all in,” Daddario said.
Families, including Sara Cleary's, from Coventry, also stopped by to enjoy the scares and give back.
“We are very supportive, we’re glad to give back,” Cleary said.
And for those brave enough to attend, Benson promises plenty of surprises and live actors waiting in the shadows.
“Haunts for the Homeless” runs Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 9 p.m. through Nov. 1 at Fitch Family Farm in Andover, if you dare.
Vallery Maravi is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at . Follow her on, and.
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