By Caitlin Rubsamen, Sports Editor
As the leaves begin to change color and the temperature gets colder, signs that fall is here are all around Gettysburg College. Many fall staples begin to appear around campus, including the Phi Delta Theta (PDT) Haunted Mansion.
Philanthropy Chairs Max Thomann ’26 (Left) and Isaac Shanon ’26 (Right) outside the Haunted Mansion. (Photo Courtesy of Phi Delta Theta)
The Haunted Mansion is thrown annually by the brothers of Phi Delta Theta, benefiting Adams County Children and Youth Services. Each year over parents’ weekend, the house gets turned into a haunted mansion, and it is an event that all of the brothers participate in.
This year, the event is being run by the co-philanthropy chairs of the organization, Max Thomann ’26 and Isaac Shannon ’26.
For Shannon, this is a bonding experience with his friends and brothers and a way to give back to the community.
“It’s been 20 years. Now, I’m only 21 years old and I am not sure how it started, but I love doing it every year. It’s probably the most fun that we have at this house,” said Shannon. “Most of the people that come through are surprised by how fun it actually ends up being, and it’s fun for us, a lot of work, but it’s all worth it in the end.”
Over the years the brothers have had an opportunity to share their event with some of the children of Adams County Children and Youth Services as well.
Member of Phi Delta Theta during the haunted mansion. (Photo Courtesy of Phi Delta Theta)
“The kids that come through here have been through a lot, but we just try to give them a good time,” explained Shannon. “We scare them, they scare us, and it’s all just for a great cause and for the kids. It’s Halloween and we like to give them something they can look forward to going to.”
If the brothers reach their philanthropy goal, Isaac Shannon and Max Thommann will shave their heads.
“It’s an incentive to the guys setting it up and collecting donations, and us as philanthropy chairs, it’s an incentive to keep doing good work, especially since we’re raising money for the kids” noted Shannon.
The Haunted Mansion is currently running from Wednesday, Oct. 22 through Friday, Oct. 24 from 6-9 PM each night at the Phi Delta Theta House. Tickets are $7 at the door and for an additional cost, those who come also have the option to buy a t-shirt as well to support the event.
