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Gravestone Manor scares to support United Way

Going to a haunted house may be a Halloween tradition for some. But one haunted attraction in Luzerne County is using horror to give back.

PLAINS, Pa. — Newswatch 16 got a ghastly glimpse into the halls of Gravestone Manor.

"What we're looking to do here today is to show you the house of your dreams," said Morgan Gayton, one of the actors at Gravestone Manor.

The place has a reputation as the haunted house that makes everyone scream.

Gayton says it wouldn't feel like Halloween without paying a visit to the manor.

"I was probably 8 or 9 the first time I walked through the house. My dad sent me in alone, and now I come back every year to volunteer," she added.

But behind all the frights, this haunted house is giving back to the community. All the money raised helps support the United Way of Wyoming Valley.

"There's something so special about coming together with a big group of people who all are like-minded, love horror and scaring people, and love raising money for a good cause," said Ian Padden, a Gravestone Manor cast member.

Over the last 24 years, volunteers at Gravestone Manor have raised around $475,000 for the United Way. They hope to bring that total to $500,000 after this spooky season.

"I work with Wegmans, so we already donate to the United Way a lot of the time, so after hearing how this is all going to charity, volunteering was a no-brainer," said Cody Palubinsky, another Gravestone Manor actor.

And while the payoff for the United Way is great, the satisfaction of scaring people is the biggest reward.

"Seeing people jump back, scream, start crying, yell pretty absurd things, it's fun," Padden added.

Gayton says the cast of volunteers feels more like family.

"It started as an opportunity to get some service hours when I was in high school, and I've always been involved in the theater, and now I've just grown to love the atmosphere that me and my fellow actors have created here," Gayton explained.

Members of the cast hope patrons can make walking through the halls of Gravestone Manor their Halloween tradition, too.

Gravestone Manor is located at 1095 Route 315 in Plains.

Stay out of the rain this weekend with a visit to Gravestone Manor! We're open Friday and Saturday from 7-10pm and...

Posted by Gravestone Manor on Friday, October 6, 2023

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