Sayville couple transforms home into haunted carnival for a cause
The fifth annual “Carnevil Haunt” combines Halloween scares with community fundraising efforts.
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A Sayville couple is once again turning their home into a Halloween destination while raising money for a charitable cause.
This year marks the fifth year that Max and Danelle Grimm have transformed their house into a Halloween haunt known as the “Carnevil Haunt.”
The attraction takes more than a month to set up, and Max Grimm builds most of the decorations from scratch.
“Every year he would just add a piece. 'Let me add this and let me add that,' and it just became what it is now,” said Danelle Grimm.
For Max Grimm, the event is about more than just frightening visitors.
“The screams are great, but when they're followed by laughs, the amount of actual fun and joy that something like this brings people is - it's very fulfilling,” he said.
Each year, the Grimms select a charity to support through the event. This year, in honor of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, they are raising money for Tunnels to Towers. The fundraiser is being held in honor of Jamie Atkinson, a Sayville resident who died last year from cancer caused by exposure during ground zero rescue missions.
The event is free to attend, but the Grimms encourage visitors to donate what they can to the charity of the year or bring canned goods for the local food pantry.
