SCARE-A-THON 2025: IT TAKES A VILLAGE

Hello, friends and fellow fiends!

Yes, believe it or not, SCARE-A-THON turns 15 this year, having raised nearly $50K for over a dozen organizations in that time. In honor of the occasion, I decided to do something a little different. In the spirit of bringing folks together, instead of our usual walk-a-thon approach (pledging per movie), we're going old-school TELETHON style (look it up, kids), with a grand array of guests enticing you to break out the checkbook!

Throughout October, an amazing group of amazing horror-themed organizations and individuals are collaborating with the INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE, helping people affected by humanitarian crises to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. (Their current focus is the situation in Gaza, for obvious reasons.) 

You can donate to IRC RIGHT NOW: https://irc.donordrive.com/campaigns/SCARE-A-THON-2025

SCARE-A-THON 2024: THIRD TIME'S A CHARM

Greetings, my allies in autumnal adulation! It’s that time of year again, when tricks and treats trade beats with greets on the streets....

It’s time for SCARE-A-THON 2024.

SCARE-A-THON 2023: EVERYBODY LOVES A SEQUEL

Greetings, my allies in autumnal adulation! It’s that time of year again, when tricks and treats trade beats with greets on the streets....

It’s time for SCARE-A-THON 2023.

SCARE-A-THON 2022: VOICES AND CHOICES

Greetings, my blood brothers and sanguinary sisters! It’s that time of year again, when the night air turns crisp and cool, the shadows contain mysteries dark and deep, and tricks and treats trade beats with greets on the streets....

It’s time for SCARE-A-THON 2022.

SCARE-A-THON 2021: ALL THE COLORS OF THE PARK

Hello, friends and fellow fiends! It’s that time of year again, when ghouls and goblins hold sway, squat orange squash are ritualistically sacrificed to the Autumn Gods, and the night air crackles with nightmarish possibilities….

It’s SCARE-A-THON 2021

SCARE-A-THON 2020, YOUTUBE LIVECAST ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND MORE!!

Hello, everyone! Welcome to SCARE-A-THON 2020, with all donations benefiting BOXVILLE.ORG

As always, the official October Horror Movie Challenge is to watch 31 horror movies in 31 days, 16 of which have to be First Time Views (FTV). This year, however, in honor of the 10th anniversary of the Scare-A-Thon (and with the assistance of some tech-savvy friends), we decided to step up our game a little: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZYKXcGvuYE 

Tonight will mark the first of five, count’ em, five Friday Night Frights livecasts on YouTube, sponsored by Ian Simmons and Kicking the Seat. This week, Ian, Bryan, and AC, along with special guests (YES, WE HAVE SPECIAL GUESTS) Lee Shoquist and Jon Kitley, celebrate the 40th anniversary of Lucio Fulci’s splatterpiece, City of the Living Dead, better known by horror fans of a certain age as The Gates of Hell! 

SCARE-A-THON 2020: THINKING INSIDE THE BOX

Hello, friends and fellow fiends! It’s that time of year again, when autumn leaves rustle louder, darkness arrives sooner, and mask wearing is happily embraced by the masses….

IT'S SCARE-A-THON 2020

SCARE-A-THON 2019: DAY OF THE LORAX

Greetings, friends and fellow fiends! It’s that time of year again, when shadows grow longer, autumn leaves rustle just a little louder, and the thrills and chills come fast and furious in 90-minute intervals....

It’s time for SCARE-A-THON 2019.

SCARE-A-THON 2018: DARK TIMES... AND TIME'S UP

Hello, friends and fellow fiends! It’s that time of year again, when shadows grow deeper, sweet tooths grow longer, and autumn leaves rustle just a little louder....

It’s time for SCARE-A-THON 2018.

SCARE-A-THON 2017 - FINAL GIRLS FIGHT BACK!!!

Hello, friends and fellow fiends! It’s that time of year again, when shadows grow deeper, sweet tooths grow longer, and helpless pumpkins quake in fear....

It’s time for SCARE-A-THON 2017.

As faithful readers know, for the past several years I have dedicated my October viewing energies to various organizations deserving of some TLC (Terror Lovin’ Care). Thanks to generous, like-minded souls, we have raised thousands of dollars for over two dozen different groups. This year, I have selected the American Women's Self Defense Association, dedicated to "creating a safer society in which all women learn practical and effective self-defense skills" and IMPACT Chicago, which "teaches self-defense to women and girls so they can prevent, minimize, and stop violence."

Because everyone deserves to feel safe and empowered. Now more than ever.

SCARE-A-THON 2016: FIGHT HUNGER WITH HORROR

Hello, friends and fellow fiends! It’s that time of year again, where nights come quicker, leaves rustle louder, and monsters and maniacs come out to play....

It’s time for SCARE-A-THON 2016.

Darn it, how do you open these things....?

SCARE-A-THON 2015: SHINE YOUR FRIGHT LIGHT

Hello, friends,

It’s that time of year again, where days grow short, trees grow bare, and nightmares come fast and furious in 90-minute intervals….

It’s time for SCARE-A-THON 2015.

As faithful readers know, for the past several years I have dedicated my October viewing energies to various organizations deserving of some “terror lovin’ care.” Thanks to generous, like-minded souls, we have raised thousands of dollars for over two dozen different groups. This year, I have selected Planned Parenthood, which provides vital health care and education to women all over the country, and Chicago’s Greenhouse Shelter, a domestic abuse shelter which provides safe refuge and support for women and their children taking their first brave steps to ending abuse.

In the spirit of a walk-a-thon or read-a-thon, I am asking for your assistance on a per-movie pledge basis with a prospective goal of 100 movies that I plan to watch. (For example, a five-cent pledge would result in an approximate $5.00 donation.) Of course, you are welcome to make a lower – or higher – per-movie pledge, or make a straightforward donation of whatever amount you deem viable.

"Tish, you know philanthropy drives me wild!"

SCARE-A-THON 2014: PICK YOUR POISON

WELCOME TO SCARE-A-THON 2014!!!!!

It's that time of year again. After a brief sabbatical, the Doc is back at it, watching as many scary movies as possible during the month of October to raise funds and awareness for a charitable cause. In the past, we've raised thousands of dollars for Season of Concern, AmeriCares, and The Friends of Children. However, this year, I'm trying an experiment: Rather selecting the beneficiary of our efforts, it's up to YOU to choose where your hard-earned dollars go.

Whether it's a high-profile entity (American Cancer Society, ALS), a local support house for women and children, a favorite arts organization, animal rescue, or your friend's Kickstarter, here's that oft-needed push to do something good for someone else with no ribbons or ice bucket videos required. Plus, you will also be raising awareness about your particular cause, as I will be posting links to the organizations' respective websites right here on the daily H101 blog posts and as well as on Facebook.

My usual donation suggestion is 10 cents ($0.10) per film, but you can go as high or low as you like. For the price of a jumbo pack of Halloween candy, you can make a huge difference in someone's life.

Mmmmm, philanthropy tastes delicious...

SCARE-A-THON 2012 (Friends of the Children of the Night)

Hello, friends,

Well, it’s that time of year again, where the days grow short, the trees grow bare and nightmares come fast and furious in 90-minute intervals…

It’s time for SCARE-A-THON 2012.

Every October, I dedicate my energies, in the spirit of a walk-a-thon or read-a-thon, to a charity deserving of some “terror lovin’ care.” This year, I have selected The Friends of Children, an organization that provides aid to underfunded youth around the world, with 100% of all donations going directly to those in need. (All operating expenses are covered by private grants.) Their website is: http://www.thefriendsofchildren.org/

SCARE -A-THON 2011 - A Benefit for U.S. Flood and Tornado Victims

Howdy folks,

As some of you might be aware, for the past few years I have engaged in an annual tradition called the October Horror Movie Challenge. (Last year was my highest mark yet, with 82 films viewed.) However, last year I decided to also turn my month-long celebration of silver screen screams into a benefit for those in need, dubbed SCARE-A-THON 2010. Thanks to the generosity of folks like yourself, we managed to raise over $1,500 for Season of Concern, a Chicago-based organization that provides direct-care support for people living with HIV and AIDS. (http://seasonofconcern.org/) This year, I will again be diving headlong into the horror pool, and again, I am requesting your help and support.

2011 has been an incredibly devastating year for many here in the U.S., with epic storms and tornadoes destroying lives and homes in unprecedented numbers. AMERICARES has set up a task force dedicated to getting funds and help to those in need, and it is to those unfortunate families that I will be dedicating my efforts. My lovely femalien's father worked closely with AmeriCares for many years - this is an organization for whom 98% of all donations go directly to helping victims in need. (For more info, visit http://www.americares.org/whatwedo/emergency/united-states/southern-united-states-storm-disaster-relief.html)

Here's the plan: For every fright flick I watch, I am asking folks to donate one nickel. Yes, a mere five cents per scream. My goal is to watch somewhere between 80 and 100 films next month, which means that you would only be asked to contribute a total of $4 to $5 – less than your average fast food lunch. Of course, you are welcome to make a lower (or higher) per-movie pledge, or even make a straightforward donation of whatever amount you deem viable. Every little bit helps and many hands make for light work. Together, we can make a big difference for someone out there who needs our help.

I will be documenting my progress here on the Dr. AC blog during the month of October. No need to send any money now, but if you are interested in participating, please drop me a line at drach101@gmail.com A) to let me know and B) how much per movie you would like to pledge. You can sign up as a sponsor any time between now and October 31. On Nov. 1, I will send out an email, letting you know how many movies were viewed, the corresponding amount of your donation, and how much total money was raised. (All individual donation amounts will be kept confidential.) If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.

Many thanks in advance, my friends. Happy Halloween!!!


AC


PS If you are conducting a SCARE-A-THON of your own or are already planning to contribute to someone else who is, consider yourself relieved of any obligation. Horror kids RULE.

Help Dr. AC fight AIDS with SCARE-A-THON 2010

If the calendar is to be believed, tomorrow is October 1. For the past few years, I have engaged in an annual tradition called the October Horror Movie Challenge. The rules of the Challenge are fairly simple: Watch at least 31 horror films during October, 16 of which must be first time views. (Last year was my highest mark yet, with 78 films.)

However, this October, while celebrating silver screen screams, I also hope to strike a blow against real-life horrors. In the spirit of a read-a-thon or a walk-a-thon, I plan to embark on SCARE-A-THON 2010 and I am asking for your help.

October Horror Movie Challenge Results 2009

It's time again for an annual tradition - The October Horror Movie Challenge!

Simply stated, the challenge is: Watch 31 films in October, 16 of which must be 1st time views. Of course, the secondary challenge is simply to watch as many movies as possible during those 31 days.

Last year, as I was out of town (Lewisburg, WV) doing a play (Macbeth), with fewer distractions around than usual, I was shooting for around 60 flickers, with planned stops at Hammer Horror, William Castle, the Classic FLY trilogy, Tod Browning, Val Lewton, the AZTEC MUMMY trilogy, some unviddied kaiju and a few surprises along the way. (A lot of those were films that I'd only seen once and had been wanting to revisit, so while I knew I'd get in my required 16 FTV's, for the most part I planned to wallow in repeats...)

As you can see, that's just what happened:

1st Time Views: 19
Repeat views: 59
Total Films: 78