Jeff Robertson, a retired Army veteran from Holly Springs, North Carolina, is rallying 625 households across the United States to raise $2 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by the end of 2026. The movement grew from Robertson’s 2020 Halloween display, which drew horror fans into his yard and earned national media attention. After a family huddle that night, Robertson asked, “How can we use this for good?” and the idea of a fundraiser was born.
Participants now decorate their homes with skeletons, animatronics and tombstones, inviting visitors to donate through the online “Fright Map.” A week before this year’s Halloween, 202 households had already registered their addresses, making the map a real-time roadmap for donors. The fundraising season stretches beyond the trick‑or‑treat, running through December 25 so families can keep the spirit alive all month.
Grand Rapids resident Jeffery Broking installed more than 40 animatronics at his grandmother’s house, saying, “I just want to give back.” In Willits, California, Krystle Coffman erected a 12‑foot flaming skeleton and promised candy and surprises for passersby. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Stripling in Delmar, Maryland, added spiderwebs and pumpkins to her lawn, noting, “I’ve already got skeletons, so I’ll just keep building.” These stories illustrate how ordinary households turn their creativity into tangible support for children in crisis.
The organizers set a $2 million goal for 2026, with another $100,000 earmarked for the Halloween season itself. St. Jude’s mission—providing free treatment, travel, housing and food for families—means the money directly eases the burden on parents fighting for their children’s lives. The campaign’s success will be measured by the number of homes that participate and the total amount raised.
The 2026 campaign will culminate on Halloween, with a final push to hit the $2 million mark before Christmas. After the holiday period, the organization will publish a detailed report of total proceeds and outline plans for the next year’s expansion.