Sorority gives back with Haunted House

By Ashley McNeil and Nicole Cortese

Rider students should know that they do not have to go far to find a Halloween experience. Delta Phi Epsilon is hosting its annual haunted house that is also supporting a good cause.

Upon entering the house, visitors will be greeted by sisters in spooky costumes and hear different stories about why the house is haunted, such as a fellow sister who was murdered in the back of the house. Her picture was stolen 10 years ago and her spirit will not rest until someone returns the photo. The other is a fable about a founding sister, Matilda, who passed away but still longs for eternal sisterhood and protects the current sisters from evil spirits.

“The haunted house began five years ago when a couple of sisters wanted to hold a major event that would raise money for one of our philanthropies, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation,” said Kelly Moore, junior global supply chain management major and Delta Phi Epsilon philanthropy chair.

This event, which has become known throughout the Rider campus and community, is also open to the public.

“There is usually a large turnout, from our families, to students and faculty, all the way to the local communities of Lawrenceville and Princeton,” Moore said.

The first year Delta Phi Epsilon hosted its haunted house, it won Program of the Year presented by the greek director at the Greek Awards. This year, the sorority is hosting this event two weekends in a row for the first time.

“We hope to double our contribution to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and believe we could do so by holding the Haunted House for a longer time,” Moore said.

The sisters get excited for this event every year, because they get to come together as a house for the community.

“My favorite part about our haunted house is dressing up,” said Lauren Testa, senior public relations major and Delta Phi Epsilon sister. “People go all out, and we do professional costumes and makeup. It’s great to see all my sisters get involved and raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.”

Moore said the sisters give a guided tour of the house and ask for a $3 suggested donation. There is also a basement full of seasonal activities for children.

“Every sister dresses up to be the scary characters in the haunted house,” Moore said. “They also help out downstairs in the kid-friendly area where you can do some Halloween activities and enjoy some treats and refreshments.”

For an extra $1, visitors are given the opportunity to participate in activities such as color-your-own candy corn, and enjoy Halloween treats like spider marshmallows and ghost lollipops. Purple ribbons will also be ssold for $1 to support the cystic fibrosis cause, and visitors can show their support by wearing them.

The sisters will also be screening a free movie in the basement while guests are enjoying refreshments. All of the funds raised will be given directly to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The Delta Phi Epsilon haunted house will take place on Oct. 25 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Oct. 26 from 2 to 6 p.m. Visitors are bound to have a frightful time, the sisters say.

Michelle Maturo, senior elementary education major and Delta Phi Epsilon president, says all visitors will have a good time and learn about an important cause.

“I think this is a great event for the community because it promotes awareness about a life-threatening disease that many people don’t know about, but in a fun and interactive way,” Maturo said. “Having the doors of Delta Phi Epsilon open to the public and campus shows how welcoming and inviting the Greek community can be. This will be the fifth year we are holding the haunted house and it’s always a great success.”

Printed in the 10/23/13 edition.