Herndon Homeowner Transforms Yard into Spooktacular Fundraiser for Local Band and Hurricane Relief

In the crisp autumn air of Herndon, Virginia, a local resident has once again transformed her lawn into a Halloween wonderland, but this year, her efforts extend beyond just seasonal festivities. Mary Mireles is using her elaborate display to raise funds for both her local high school band program and those impacted by recent hurricanes in the Southeast.

Bringing the Community Together Through the Magic of Halloween

A Tradition of Festive Displays

For the second year in a row, Mary Mireles has filled her lawn at 2508 Halterbreak Court with an impressive array of Halloween decorations. From skeletons in costume to beloved movie characters, her "Spooktacular Night at the Movies" theme is sure to delight both children and adults alike. Mireles takes great pride in updating the display nightly, even having to take everything down and put it back up on weekends to accommodate lawn maintenance.

A Dual Fundraising Effort

While Mireles has used her Halloween display to raise money for the South Lakes High School band program in the past, this year she has expanded her efforts to include hurricane relief. As a native of central Florida, Mireles feels a personal connection to those affected by the recent storms in the Southeast, and she is determined to make a meaningful impact.Through a GoFundMe campaign, Mireles is offering a 4x donation match on the first $2,500 raised, up to a maximum of $10,000. After that, she will work to provide a 2x donation match through her corporate connections, with the goal of reaching $50,000 in total. The funds will be split evenly between the South Lakes High School Band Boosters and hurricane relief efforts through Samaritan's Purse.

Bringing the Community Together

Mireles' Halloween display has become a beloved tradition in the Herndon community, with both children and adults visiting daily to admire the intricate decorations. The vice president of fundraising for the South Lakes High School Band Boosters, Tom Lee, expressed the program's gratitude for the "generous donations from friends, family, neighbors, music lovers, and small businesses" that enable the band to participate in competitions, parades, and other activities.Beyond the financial support, Mireles sees her Halloween display as a way to bring the community together. "Halloween is just a special time to spend quality time with others," she said. "Kids and adults stop by to visit daily."

A Spooktacular Experience for All

Visitors to Mireles' Halloween display will be in for a truly immersive experience. As they navigate the "Nockturn Alley" path to the front door, they'll encounter unexpected scares and familiar characters from beloved movies like "Harry Potter," "Ghostbusters," and "The Nightmare Before Christmas." The decorations are family-friendly, ensuring that all ages can enjoy the spooky festivities.For those brave enough to venture through the display, a special treat awaits at the front door – a full-sized candy bar. It's a fitting reward for those who have braved the haunting sights and sounds of Mireles' Halloween wonderland.As the community gathers to celebrate the spooky season, Mireles' efforts have transformed her home into a hub of holiday cheer and charitable giving. Through her dedication and creativity, she is not only bringing joy to her neighbors but also making a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need, both near and far.