What started as an elaborate Halloween decoration in North Carolina has grown into a nationwide fundraising movement, with 625 households across the United States expected to participate in 2026. Retired Army veteran Jeff Robertson, who launched Skeletons for St. Jude in 2020, is now hoping the initiative will reach its ambitious target of raising $2 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.Robertson, from Holly Springs, North Carolina, initially attracted attention for his elaborate Halloween yard display, which featured an army of skeletons. His decorations became so popular that horror fans travelled for hours to see them. But instead of keeping the spotlight on his family, Robertson decided to use the attention to support children receiving medical treatment.“That night we had a family huddle and said, ‘This is kind of cool that we’re on the news, but you know, let’s kind of take the spotlight off of us,” Robertson told St. Jude Inspire. “Like, how can we use this for good?”The family agreed to start a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. That decision gave rise to Skeletons for St. Jude, which has raised more than $1.1 million in its first six years.
Jeff Robertson’s Halloween tradition now includes 625 homes
Jeff Robertson’s Halloween skeleton display sparked a nationwide fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, raising over $1.1 million since 2020. (Photo: Skeletons for St. Jude)
What began as one family’s effort has expanded into a nationwide campaign involving hundreds of Halloween enthusiasts, commonly known as “haunters”. Participants decorate their homes with skeletons, animatronics, tombstones and other spooky attractions, inviting visitors to enjoy the displays while contributing to the fundraiser.In 2026, the initiative is expected to bring together 625 households across the US. A week before Halloween, 202 participating households had already registered their addresses on the online “Fright Map”, helping visitors locate participating homes and plan their visits.The fundraising season extends beyond Halloween, continuing through December 25. This allows participating families to use their seasonal displays to raise donations and awareness for the hospital throughout the holiday period.The campaign’s message encourages people to take part without giving up the Halloween traditions they already enjoy.“Same haunt you already build. Way bigger reason,” the initiative said in a statement.
Skeletons for St. Jude sets $2 million fundraising target for 2026
Now in its seventh year, Skeletons for St. Jude has set its sights on raising $2 million in total donations by the end of 2026. The campaign also aims to raise more than $100,000 during the 2026 Halloween and holiday seasons.The organisers have thanked the volunteers and participating households who have helped turn Robertson’s idea into a nationwide initiative.“Thank you to all of our team members who have made Jeff’s dream more than a reality!” the organisation said on its website.It also encouraged more people to join the campaign and use their Halloween displays to draw attention to the children being treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.The hospital’s mission is central to the fundraiser. St. Jude says families do not receive bills for treatment, travel, housing or food, helping them focus on their children during an extremely difficult time.
From 40 animatronics to a 12-foot flaming skeleton
From animatronics to towering skeletons, Halloween enthusiasts are turning spooky home displays into fundraising opportunities for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. (Photo: Skeletons for St. Jude)
The participating homes have developed their own creative ways of attracting visitors and encouraging donations.In Grand Rapids, Michigan, Jeffery Broking spent October setting up a display at his grandmother’s house, installing more than 40 animatronics. For him, the fundraiser has a personal connection. He told WDIO ABC that he has been dealing with seizures over the past few years and has met several sick children and their families.“I just want to give back,” Broking said.In Willits, California, participant Krystle Coffman had a 12-foot flaming skeleton on her lawn, with safety measures in place. She told local reporter Kym Kemp that visitors could also expect candy and other surprises.“We will be handing out candy and may have a few special surprises,” Coffman said.Meanwhile, Elizabeth Stripling was building her display in Delmar, Maryland, decorating her lawn and her neighbour’s property with skeletons, pumpkins, tombstones and spiderwebs.Stripling said she was already decorating for Halloween when she learnt about the initiative and decided to participate. Joining the fundraiser gave her an additional reason to expand her collection while bringing happiness to children in her neighbourhood.“The more I learned about it, I thought, why not?” she told news station WMDT. “I’m already decorating and I’ve already got skeletons, so I’ll just go ahead and gives me an excuse to build to my collection. And it brings such joy to the kids in the neighborhood.”
Why the campaign is about more than Halloween
For Stripling, who serves as the director of outreach and training at the Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Center for Autism Services, the initiative is also about remembering children who may be spending Halloween in hospital instead of celebrating with their families.“We think a lot about kids at Halloween. And that’s what Saint Jude is all about. It’s all about kids,” she said.She explained that the displays could bring a little happiness to children receiving treatment, reminding them that people outside the hospital are thinking about them during the festive season.“They’re not feeling well if they’re there in the hospital and … this is something that might bring them a little light too, to know that there are people out here thinking about them on Halloween night, wishing they could be celebrating with them.”
