[BRANDON MS] On Saturday August 24, 2024, our primary annual fundraising project known as The Dark Zone Haunted House, suffered a tragic fire which engulfed the complex. The haunted house, building, adjacent trailer, props, computers & electronics, and thousands of hours of volunteer effort and more were a total loss. Many of the mechanized props cost several thousand dollars each, many of which are irreplaceable.
Several members and volunteers were busy working at the haunted house early that morning, as they do nearly every weekend, getting ready for October. Thankfully, none were present when the fire engulfed the building. Gratefully, all the members and volunteers are safe.
The Exchange Club of Crossgates is 100% committed to bringing the haunt back, bigger and better than ever, but we need the public’s help. If you’re able to donate to this cause, please do so. If you’re unable to donate financially, please consider getting involved… the club welcomes new members and can always use the support and help from volunteers willing to lend a hand.
If you’d like to fill out a Club Member Interest Form, you can do so by CLICKING HERE. The direct link to this form is here:
htps://bit.ly/brandonclub
Please consider supporting The Exchange Club of Crossgates, as we rebuild The Dark Zone Haunted House, an icon in the Brandon MS community for 20+ years. The Exchange Club of Crossgates, provides funds annually to Child Abuse Centers (CAP) and to help stop human trafficking. The club has been led by many hard-working volunteers, who are dedicated to raising money for these charities.
In 2003 the club had the largest “Healing Field” flag presentation in the United States in honor of the 2998 patriots that lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and the soldiers from all over the world who had sacrificed their lives in the battles of Enduring Freedom. The club had over 4,000 flags flying on our soccer fields that year.
In 2002, the club started The Dark Zone Haunted House as their primary fundraiser, while also bringing fun and scares to all of Central Mississippi. Located in Brandon MS, the haunt has been home to some of the most advanced props, scares, and treats, enjoyed by thousands each weekend of October every year. The Dark Zone requires literally thousands of hours of work by volunteers over the course of each year, to prepare it to provide scares and entertainment each October… upgrading annually with new features, rooms, and props. A completely new section of the haunt was added in just the past few months.
The haunt is regularly staffed by students who are credited with community service hours, providing valuable service and training for youth. Members of the Exchange Club of Crossgates as well as others volunteer their time throughout the year to get the haunted house ready for spookiness each Halloween season, while also volunteering to operate the haunted house every weekend in October… providing fears, fun, and memories for many each year.
The Dark Zone is regularly rated as the #1 Haunted House in the state of Mississippi, and has become a staple in the Brandon community, Rankin County, and throughout Central Mississippi.
You can also help by sharing our fundraising efforts via social media channels, and by sharing with friends. Here’s a direct link to our GoFundMe listing: htps://gofund.me/6efe983f
We also have fundraising links available on our website to PayPal and Zeffy. If you’re unable to contribute or volunteer, please be on the lookout soon for announcements of our plans for this Halloween season, as well as exciting things in the future. There’s also a special Rebuild Account setup at PriorityOne Bank, for anyone who wishes to deliver or mail a donation.
While it’s important for the club to rebuild as soon as possible, it’s more important that the club can continue its mission to raise awareness and stop child abuse and human trafficking. Proceeds from the club’s fundraisers each year, primarily The Dark Zone Haunted House, provide funding to CAP Centers, shelters, and similar charities in Central Mississippi.
Our thanks and prayers go out to Brandon Police, Brandon Fire, Pearl Fire, and Langford Fire for containing and extinguishing the tragic fire on such a hot day and keeping the fire from taking down other nearby structures. Their crews completed a blistering hot and difficult job, and we appreciate their efforts.
Thank you to the public for supporting our club and The Dark Zone Haunted House for the past 20+ years. The kind messages and comments of support during this time are appreciated. You have helped make a difference in the fight against child abuse and human trafficking. Be on the lookout for announcements from The Exchange Club of Crossgates soon, regarding events for Halloween season and beyond. Together, we will return soon… bigger and better.
