Eshelles drill team to host ‘Haunted Forest’ fundraiser in support of 5-year-old cancer patient

Eshelles drill team members advertise for the “Haunted Forest Thriller Fundraiser,” Santa Clara, Utah, Sept. 22, 2018 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News

SANTA CLARA — The Eshelles, Snow Canyon High School’s drill team, are gearing up for their “Haunted Forest Thriller Fundraiser,” to be staged five nights leading up to and including Halloween.

Eshelles drill team’s “Haunted Forest Thriller Fundraiser” float, Santa Clara, Utah, Sept. 22, 2018 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News

Tiffany Reynolds, the mother of one of the drill team members and one of the co-organizers of the event, said the outdoor attraction will be staged nightly Oct. 26-31 (except Sunday, Oct. 28) in an area northwest of the historic Jacob Hamblin home, just before Santa Clara Drive becomes Old U.S. Highway 91 (click for map). The hours for Friday and Saturday Oct. 26-27 are 7-11 p.m, while the hours for Oct. 29-31 are 7-10 p.m.

Admission is $15 per person, or $10 for students with student ID. Proceeds from three of the five nights will go to benefit Wyatt Craven, a 5-year-old Fairview boy battling acute myeloid leukemia. According to online posts, Wyatt has already undergone three rounds of chemotherapy and other treatments and is currently taking medications that cost between $12,000 and $15,000 per month.

Wyatt Craven, a 5-year-old leukemia patient | Photo courtesy of the Craven family via Facebook, St. George News

“We are praying between that and other lifestyle changes we are going to implement, we can keep his leukemia at bay long enough to get his organ function, weight and health up, meanwhile praying for a miracle,” Wyatt’s mother Chrissy Craven wrote in a post on her personal blog titled Craven the Good Life. Wyatt is the cousin of Eshelles drill team member Grace Walter, whose family farm is holding the haunted forest event.

Proceeds from the other two nights will go to benefit the Eshelles drill team. The squad, which comprises some two dozen members, performs and competes throughout the school year.

Although appropriate for teens and adults, the haunted farm experience may be be frightening for small children, so parental discretion is advised.

Team photo of the 2018-19 Eshelles, Snow Canyon High School’s drill team, date and location not specified | Photo courtesy of Snow Canyon Eshelles, St. George News

Reynolds said as the event draws closer, the drill team is still seeking help from volunteers and sponsors. Among the supplies being requested are spotlights, fog machines and various Halloween decorative items.

Several businesses have already donated materials and supplies to the cause, including Rainbow Sign and Banner, Alphagraphics, The Home Depot and Sherwin Williams. Any other local businesses or individuals who would like to make donations of supplies or funds may contact Michelle Walter at 435-229-6742 or via email at [email protected].

Direct donations to the Craven family may also be made online through Venmo under the account called SuperWy.

Event details

  • What: “Haunted Forest Thriller Fundraiser.”
  • When: Oct. 26-27, 7-11 p.m.; Oct. 29-31, 7-10 p.m., excluding Oct. 28.
  • Where: Near where Santa Clara Drive becomes Old U.S. Highway 91, a short distance northwest of the historic Jacob Hamblin home, Santa Clara. Click here for map.
  • Admission: $15 per person, $10 for students with ID, with all proceeds going to benefit Wyatt Craven cancer fund and/or the Snow Canyon Eshelles drill team. Tickets may be purchased at the gate.
  • Details: See the event’s Facebook page. | For further information or if interested in donating supplies, materials or money, contact Michelle Walter at 435-229-6742 or via email [email protected].

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2018, all rights reserved.

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