Published October 29th, 2008
Youth Commission's Haunted House Rocks
By Cathy Tyson
From Pumpkin Patch to Trick-or-Treating at ghoulishly garbed homes, Lamorinda's kids get ready for Halloween Photos by Andy Scheck and Lamorinda Mom's Club

Once again, the Lafayette Youth Commission (LYC) has worked long and hard to put together their annual Haunted House fundraiser event. Just a few weeks ago they still needed random body parts, toe tags and surgical scrubs, among other things, but it all came together into the truly creepy experience that has become an institution. This year's theme was Nightmare.
Who knew that the Community Center could be transformed into the Morgue room, Circus room, Psychedelic room and more. Not only have Youth Commission members created a performance "Nightmare," but these teens were savvy enough to make the "House" only semi-scary for kids under 7 during early hours, and super scary for an extra $2. for those eight and older into the evening hours. Thereby maximizing the fear factor and revenue.
All of the ticket proceeds after expenses benefit the youth of Lafayette. Last year they made approximately $5,000. The LYC paid for half of the cost of Stanley Intermediate School's new scoreboard, and they've also contributed to the Moraga Skate Park.
Just who are these kids who donate their time? Brayton Noll is President this year, Naomi Wasserman is Vice President, both are seniors at Campolindo. About thirty teens were asked at a recent meeting why they belong, their answers ranged from "Love Lafayette" to "support the community" to "looks good on college applications." The group chose the theme, and worked on committees to design and set up the rooms and spent hours working on the event last weekend. Whatever the reason, these students are creating something from nothing and in the process making the community more vibrant, and scary, at least for a few days each year.



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