Scares That Care

The Scares That Care Weekend Convention is a horror convention designed to delight horror fans while benefiting those in need. “Scares That Care!” is an IRS approved, 501(c)(3) charitable organization, designed to bring together the fans of “all things spooky.” Whether it’s haunted houses, paranormal, horror films, or anything else in the “vein” of the horror genre, “Scares That Care!” brings together those individuals in order to give back to the families that need it most…and in turn, become “Good Ambassadors of Horror.”

The difference between our convention and the other, fantastic shows that are out there, is simple. All of our proceeds will go to the families that need our assistance. We pride ourselves in being an organization that has no salaries, and no paychecks. We do this because it’s the right thing to do, and we want to represent the Horror community in the best light possible.

That's what Joe Ripple had to say about the Scares That Care Weekend on the website devoted to the event. I was fortunate enough to be invited to sit at the table for the Horror Writers Association's newborn VA Chapter. Not hiding behind my laptop in my super-secret skycave was a little out of my comfort zone, but after meeting and talking with all the folks that happened by our table, I'm thinking its time to go shopping for a new comfort zone. 

I'd never been to a con before so this was an awesome experience for me.

A few highlights for me:

1) Manning the HWA table with Dee Southerland (unstoppable force behind the HWA's VA Chapter)

2) Talking with fellow HWA member D. Alexander Ward about all things writing.

3) Meeting Jacob Haddon of Apokrupha and editor of Vignettes From the End of the World.

4) Reminding Matthew Warner that we've met before. A couple of times. I really need to do something memorable next time.

And even though I didn't get a chance to meet any of them, being within arms length of:

5) Yaphet Kotto, Parker from Alien.

6) Sid Haig from House of a 1000 Corpses. My first memory of Mr. Haig was playing the bad guy on Jason of Star Command! That kinda dates me but its worth it. Drago rules.

7) Chris Sarandon from Fright Night and The Princess Bride.

8) Amanda Bearse from Fright Night and, of course, Married with Children.

9) Bill Atherton from Ghostbusters and a metric ton of other things.

10) And Elivra herself, Cassandra Peterson. Wow, just wow.

The last word I heard was uncertain on whether or not we can expect a Scares That Care Weekend 2015, but if there is one (and I certainly hope there will be!), I'll be one of the first to block off that weekend on the family calendar, book a room, and drag the family kicking and screaming when the times comes. They say they don't like the kicking and screaming part, but deep down, I know they really do.

Siphon

Grooovy!

William R.D. Wood and Delona Southerland

For anyone who wants to know, this is who we called.