The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of SIU at Carbondale. Except during vacations and exam weeks, The Daily Egyptian is published Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and TWThF during the summer semester."

Haunted Island asks engineering students, community for help

Money woes have not dampened the spirits of Southern Illinois veterans hoping to fund-raise while they frighten.

The first American Legion Haunted Island, featuring attractions built and designed by SIUC engineering students, is a free event that will take place at the American Legion Haven at Crab Orchard Lake on Oct. 29 through 31.

Roy Frank, a professor of engineering, said he became involved when contacted by Patrick Novak, vice commander of the American Legion. However, Frank said the students were not able to participate in construction to the level they expected.

"Things got changed around a little bit," Frank said. "They aren't going to be doing as much building of things as they had originally planned, because they didn't get as many donations as they hoped."

The American Legion only received $50 out of an anticipated several thousand, Novak said. Saluki Central had promised a contribution, but Novak said he has not yet received a check.

Novak said they mailed about 100 to 150 requests and lost money.

"The senior Legion members said this is normal," Novak said. "Each solicitation costs about a dollar for professional paper, an envelope and a stamp. It cost more to even ask for donations."

The American Legion is a nonprofit organization of military veterans who raise funds to support troops and their families. In Southern Illinois, American Legion owns the Marion VA Hospital and the Haven, where the Haunted Island will take place.

"We take them [hospitalized veterans] out there and they're able to fish in the summer and there's pool tables in the winter," District Commander Fred Hickem said. "They come out there to the Haven and can get away from the hospital life for a few hours. It's a recreational tool they have found is very good for their morale."

Approximately 15 to 20 student members of the Illinois Professional Land Surveyors Association have spent time volunteering on the island. A peninsula adjacent to the Haven will have a haunted trail with fences that the students have organized.

Frank said the trail would be similar to Carterville's Haunted Hayrack ride in style.

"There is probably 15-20 separate things that will occur to the people as they walk through," he said.

Students spent Saturday clearing brush with machetes and making a path through the heavily wooded peninsula. Work is slated to continue Saturday.

Kory Allred, a senior in civil engineering from Tinley Park and president of the association, said he supported Frank's request to help the American Legion because of the nature of the cause and the holiday.

"I thought it was a good opportunity to help the veterans," Allred said. "We've tried to make it so that it will be enjoyable for everybody. I know I personally like to go to a haunted trail and be scared. As usual, expect ghosts and goblins but hopefully some new things as well."

Novak is optimistic about the success of the weekend and would like organizations such as sororities and fraternities to take the opportunity to conduct their own fund-raiser by setting up a table for snacks for patrons.

"People are welcome to come sell their wares," he said. "They can help us, and we can help them. It would be mutually beneficial."

He said even last minute donations to the Haunted Island budget would help the engineering students complete their initial plan for construction.

"They did have to scrap their designs, which is unfortunate, but perhaps we could use it for next year, unless some money falls into our lap," Novak said.

 

 

[Macro error: Can't include because the file is larger than 32767 characters.]

Today's News | Sports | Voices - Editorial | Letters
Newsbriefs | pulse - Arts & Entertainment | Calendar | Photo Staff
Apts & Rentals | Photo Personals | Live DE NewsCam | Classified Ads