Thanks to a massive collaboration effort of volunteers, sponsors and a community eager to be spooked for a great cause, the Hotel Vernal Haunt was a fantastic success raising over $58,000 dollars for local charities. “The Hotel Vernal opened for guests again in October 2018 after a 27 year vacancy [and] the charity event far exceeded expectations,” shares Vernal City Manager and event coordinator Quinn Bennion. “Over 6,000 guests experienced the Fear Haunt and over 1,300 guests went through the Ghost Tours… Over 250 volunteers worked to plan, organize, create, construct, and perform in the Haunt and Ghost Tours. 85 volunteers were needed each night to provide the haunting experiences and support. Volunteers ages ranged from 9 years old to adult.” The money raised from the 10 haunting nights will benefit the Ashley Valley Food Pantry, Forever Forward Services, Vernal Theatre: LIVE, and Sub for Santa. Cans of food were also collected during the event for donation to the food pantry. Bennion says that with the overwhelming success, it is hoped that the event will return next year but that its future depends on the hotel’s ownership status at that point. Thank you to all who made this event a success as many lives in our community will be blessed as a result!
