October 27, 2006 - Alpha Sigma Phi reached out to the Buckhannon community last week, hosting their annual haunted house at the Stockard Youth Center.

Ran by Alpha Sigma Phi brother, Brandon Carder, the event ran October 24-26. Sisters from Alpha Gamma Delta and Alpha Xi Delta also helped out.

All proceeds went to the Upshur County Head Start to help buy jackets and warm clothing for underprivileged children in the area.

Several of the rooms in the house were themed to include a witches room, the execution chair, a maze, a mad scientist, the ring room (based on the horror film), and the clown room. This last room proved to be quite frightening to both children and parents, resulting in much screaming and crying. 

The haunted house has been an Alpha Sig tradition since 1998, when the fraternity adopted the Upshur County Head Start as their chapter philanthropy. In addition, the fraternity helps out Head Start by donating Christmas presents during the holidays and making Easter eggs in the spring.

The event this year proved to be quite successful, evident when, by the second night of running the house, the funds raised had already surpassed the total raised last year. This year, Alpha Sigma Phi will be giving Head Start a $262 check, an amount which will certainly be much appreciated.

Brian Schooley, Vice President of Alpha Sigma Phi, had this to say about their efforts: “We really love having the opportunity to raise money for head start. A lot of us love kids and are always eager to do something for the community. It’s a good feeling when you know you are making a difference to someone.

“I think that each time we do this, its one step forward to proving that Greeks really do provide a service for the community and care a lot about it.”

Ashley Hodak