Deadnersville Halloween Haunt raises funds for BGH Foundation again in 2023

The Hair-Raising Deadnersville attraction raised a total of $17,702 this year to fund priority medical equipment.

Every year, a dedicated Lorne Holditch and his team of hard-working volunteers create a scary experience for the local community through their annual Deadnerville Halloween Haunt in Prince Edward County. Throughout October, people from around the region make the trip to Lorne’s property on Rednersville Road to see an awe-inspiring display of Halloween horrors. With over 140 feet of covered and decorated canopies to walk through as well as numerous animatronic props of various sizes, there is a ‘skeleTON’ of fun for everyone.

This popular community attraction has been growing over the last decade, with bigger crowds every year. In 2023 Lorne proudly hosted over 15,000 visitors, many of whom made ‘pay what you can’ donations to Belleville General Hospital Foundation while they were there.

“After my wife Sheila passed away in 2019, I decided to keep hosting Deadnersville in her memory,” said Lorne. “She had excellent care at BGH, and so have I. To me, it is important to support our regional hospital and that is why I put this event together every year.”

Never one to hide from a challenge, Lorne entered Deadnersville into a local ‘Haunt Your House’ competition — and WON! The contest was sponsored by local Real Estate Salesperson Michelle Ellis of eXp Realty. While chatting with Lorne about the history of Deadnersville, Michelle was moved to help. She pledged to donate an additional $1 for every vote cast in this year’s Haunt Your House’ competition to BGHF.

“I know about the important work that takes place in Belleville General Hospital, and Lorne’s story has inspired me. Going forward I’m planning to make an annual gift to BGHF after each ‘Haunt Your House’ contest,” said Michelle.

The total amount that was donated on-site at Deadnersville this year was $16,359 with an additional contribution of $1,343 from Michelle, for a grand total of $17,702 being donated to BGHF to purchase priority medical equipment for the hospital.

Executive Director Steve Cook commented, “With the 2023 donation of $17,702, Lorne’s cumulative giving now exceeds $60,000. This kind of loyal community support has a huge impact on health care in our region. We are so grateful for Lorne, and the Deadnersville volunteers for their commitment to this amazing event.

For the month of December, Deadnersville has been transformed into Slednersville — with a display full of Christmas lights & animatronics, running from 4-11 pm daily. Lorne has entered Slednersville into the ‘Deck Your House’ Christmas Tour & Competition sponsored by Michelle Ellis of eXp Realty. Everyone is encouraged to view the Contest Page and Tour Map and visit the many locations in the Quinte area that have decorated their houses for people to enjoy this holiday season.

Main Photo L-R: Lorne Holditch, Creator of Deadnersville; Erin Hewitson, Major Gifts Officer, BGH Foundation; Steve Cook, Executive Director, BGH Foundation.

Inset Photo: Michelle Ellis of eXp Realty