At a glance:
· Imagine Better Inc. announces the launch of the “Don’t Be A Monster” anti-bullying campaign partnering with the nation’s top haunted houses
· Program operations will be headquartered in San Antonio and serve the following markets: San Antonio, Denver, Phoenix, Austin, Atlanta, New York, Detroit, and the Rio Grande Valley
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· Program includes visits to middle schools in each market to entertain and inform students on the dangers of bullying
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–Imagine Better Inc. has kicked off an anti-bullying campaign titled “Don’t Be a Monster,” to educate middle students on the dangers of bullying. “Don’t Be A Monster” also partners with major haunted houses in the area leveraging exposure they receive during October, anti-bullying month, to raise awareness about the campaign. Relevant non-profits in the local area to provide students with valuable info on the dangers of bullying.
“Don’t Be a Monster” began with a pilot program in San Antonio during the 2012 Halloween season with the13th floor haunted house partnering with the non-profit City Year. The 2012 campaign visited eight local schools, exposing the anti-bullying message to over 5,000 students. In addition, it raised money for City Year San Antonio, a non-profit organization whose mission is to mentor students towards high school graduation. The pilot program’s success encouraged the 13th Floor Haunted House co-owners, Chris Stafford and Jon Love, to form an organization singularly focused on combating bullying, raising money for non-profits, and the expansion of the "Don't be a Monster" campaign. They formed Imagine Better Inc., submitted a request for charitable status, and began working on expanding the anti-bullying program nationally. Since they have committed resources from their own haunted houses, the 13th Floor in San Antonio, Phoenix, and Denver and House of Torment in Austin and have recruited Netherworld Haunted House in Atlanta, Headless Horseman Haunted Hayride in New York, and Erebus Haunted House in Detroit to support the campaign in their respective markets.
During the 2013 Halloween season (September 2013 – October 2013), the anti-bullying campaign will spread the message of tolerance in middle schools across the U.S.
“Jon, myself, and the other haunted house owners involved all have kids and this program is personally important to each and every one of us. We also all strongly believe in giving back to the community that has given us so much,” said co-director, Chris Stafford. “We’re happy to spread this incredibly important message and support other anti-bullying organizations in the process. The students we reach will be informed, empowered, and entertained in a meaningful way.”
In addition to the program’s anti-bullying information, Imagine Better Inc. has tapped into its haunted house roots, and created a character to represent and entertain students. Named “Frank Shelley,” the character is inspired by the iconic Frankenstein, and will feature prominently in the campaign. A 6-minute short film promoting “Don’t Be a Monster” and ‘Frank’ was shot in Austin in July 2013 and will be revealed at the conclusion of each presentation. Additionally, ‘Frank’ will make guest appearances at all schools.
The 2013 “Don’t Be a Monster” school visits are happening September 13 – October 31, 2013. For additional info please visit www.dontbeamonster.org.
About Imagine Better Inc.
Imagine Better Inc., anchored by mega haunted houses in San Antonio, Austin, Denver, Phoenix, and McAllen, owns and operates the iconic 13th Floor Haunted House and House of Torment brands. In addition to providing consumers with Halloween-themed entertainment options, the group also operates the “Don’t Be a Monster” anti-bullying program, which utilizes the Halloween theme in a meaningful manner by educating students on the consequences of bullying, while also providing funds to organizations in local organizations that promote an anti-bullying message. The “Don’t Be a Monster” program expanded into other haunted house markets: Netherworld Haunted House Atlanta, Erebus Haunted Attraction Detroit, and Headless Horseman Hayrides & Haunted Houses Ulster Park, New York.
