University of Richmond to hold 11th annual Trick or Treat Street Oct. 31; children’s Halloween festival to benefit 4-year-old’s liver transplant
September 23, 2009
Local children are in for a treat this Halloween as the University of Richmond’s Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council and other campus organizations host the 11th annual Trick or Treat Street festival, Oct. 31, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the university’s Old Fraternity Row.
Since 1999, Trick or Treat Street has offered a fun and safe way for community children and families to spend the day as well as support a local charity. For the second year in a row, proceeds will benefit a liver transplant fund for Cole Hafer, a 4-year-old Richmond boy whose family and friends are raising money through the Children’s Organ Transplant Association. Though the association is a national foundation, Hafer has become the focus of the Richmond chapter’s efforts. With an increase in the overall donation goal from $40,000 to $60,000, Richmond area volunteers still hope to raise $30,000 to help pay for Hafer’s health procedures.
Last year, Trick or Treat Street raised $10,000 toward his life-saving transplant and offered the Hafer family a chance to enjoy the festive activities. “Cole loved the event last year!” said Lynn Hafer, Cole’s mother. “His favorite activity was the bounce house, and he loved playing with some friends who attended the event and seeing all of the great costumes.”
The Interfraternity and Panhellenic councils, governing bodies of the university’s Greek system, have jointly adopted Hafer as a year-long philanthropy and are working to unite the entire campus to his cause. Trick or Treat Street will serve as the groups’ main fundraiser.
“This annual event has done an excellent job to both raise money for a great philanthropy as well as offer a safe, fun environment for local kids to come for Halloween. This year we hope to improve the event by involving more campus organizations as well as by bringing in more kids from the greater Richmond community” said Charles Parsons, of Bethel, Maine, co-chair of the event.
The annual event draws children in Halloween dress to participate in costume contests and face painting, explore haunted houses, and enjoy pumpkin painting and other crafts and games. The event is just one of many ways university students and organizations involve themselves in the surrounding community. For more information about Trick or Treat Street, call 804-289-8505. To learn more about Cole Hafer and the Children’s Organ Transplant Association, visit www.cotaforcoleh.com.