Special to Atmore News
October brings about ideas of pumpkins, fall leaves, and even a ghost or ghoul to mind. The Escambia County Habitat for Humanity is working to make this October bring some additional images to the minds of those in the community.
A Zombie Walk and Auction is being planned for Oct. 20 at Jennings Park in Brewton. According to Lisa Tindell, executive director of Escambia County Habitat for Humanity, the event is gearing up to be more than just a walk through the park.
“This is the first time in our area that a Zombie Walk is being held,” Tindell said. “But, in addition to a 5K walk through Jennings Park, there will be plenty of other activities that will appeal to the entire family. We will be hosting a costume contest and a silent auction. We will even have food available for those who want to come and enjoy the festivities and dinner. We wanted to put on an event that would be family friendly with a range of activities that would be enjoyable for everyone.”
The line-up of events for the day will begin at 3 p.m. with packet pick-up for walkers, Tindell said.
“The event activities begin at 4 p.m. with the opening of our auction tent and the costume contest,” Tindell said. “Walkers will take to the trail at 5 p.m. and the auction tent will close at 7 p.m.”
Tindell said some sponsor spots are already filled, but said there are other sponsorship opportunities still available.
“We have Georgia-Pacific signed on as our Ghoul Partner for this event,” Tindell said. “We also have a few Ghost Partners on board as well. Southern Pine Electric Cooperative, Mayor Yank Lovelace and the Alabama Association of Habitat Affiliates are on board as Ghost Partners.”
Tindell said the sponsorship levels are such that anyone would be able to join the mission of Habitat.
“We have several levels available for sponsors starting at $250,” Tindell said. “Every penny we raise through sponsorships, walk or costume contest registrations and the silent auction will be put to use in providing safe, affordable housing for those in need in Escambia County.”
Tindell said that area merchants and artists have made contributions to the auction portion of the event with more donations coming.
“We are excited and thankful for the items that have already been donated for the silent auction,” Tindell said. “We are still working on adding items to the event planned for October 20. We want to have something that will be appealing to everyone.”
Some of the items already on hand for the auction include an autographed photo of Nick Saban, an autographed photo of Gus Malzahn, hotel accommodates at Wind Creek Casino and Hotel, a cooking class session at Wind Creek’s cooking school, a gift package from Southern Pine Electric Cooperative, jewelry from Premier Designs by Mollie, a gift certificate from Piggly Wiggly in East Brewton, art work collection by Joy Odom, an item from the Habitat Restore, jewelry collection by Paparazzi, an item from Badcock Furniture and More in Brewton.
For those interested in registering for the walk or the costume contest, Tindell said registration forms are now available.
“We have forms at the Habitat Restore on Douglas Avenue next to Jalisco’s,” Tindell said. “If you can’t get to us, just give us a call and we will get a form to you. There is also a form available to download on the Zombie Walk Facebook page. You can find it at Zombie Walk Escambia County Habitat for Humanity. We can also provide those forms through email or fax if needed.”
Registration for the walk is $15 for adults or $10 for students 18 and under. For the costume contest, the registration is $10 for everyone.
“We are offering a combo pack for those who want to participate in the costume contest and the walk,” Tindell said. “Adults pay $20 for the walk and costume contest with those under 18 paying $15 for both the walk and costume contest.”
Medals and prizes will be handed out to the first three to finish the walk and for those voted as the top three best in the costume contest, Tindell said.
“We want to see a big turn out for this unique event in our community,” Tindell said. “It’s been a lot of work so far and still more work to do to make this a fun time for everyone. We are excited and hope that the community takes the opportunity to help us out with our mission for Habitat for Humanity.”
To request forms, to make a donation or to get more information about the event or what Habitat has to offer in the county, contact their office at 251-867-0095 or drop by the Habitat Restore for details.