This Halloween, there's one haunted house in metro Atlanta that's meant to do more than just scare you. At the Dark Harvest Haunted House, every scream helps support charities in DeKalb County while its organizer realizes a dream.
Creator Angelo Ritz says he's always loved haunted houses. The Avondale Estates man organized his first one when he was just 9 years old in his family's living room. Now, 40 years later, he's fighting cancer, and he realizes this may be one of his last haunted houses—so he's making it count.
For Ritz, a dream of screams is coming true. But coordinating a haunted house takes much more than just strobes and a few black lights. It takes a special spooky vision, dedication, and a whole lot of time.
Since Ritz was diagnosed with cancer three years ago, time has been on his mind a lot. He says he's been through five rounds of chemotherapy and a few rounds of radiation. His cancer is inoperable, and he says eventually, he knows it will win.
"Every 6 months - it sort of crops up somewhere else, and each time it gets a little bit harder to get through," Ritz said. "So that's why I think this was the year to make this happen. I'm physically able to do the work."
All of the proceeds from the Dark Harvest Haunted House benefit the Lifeline Animal Project, the South DeKalb Senior Center, and Academy Theatre's Youth Outreach Program. Ritz calls this year's haunt his legacy.
"I've had a few years I shouldn't have had," Ritz explained. "And this is a way to give back to the community. Do something good for charities that will hopefully live beyond me."
Ritz says if he's not able to run the show next year, he has the right people in place to continue it for him.
The Dark Harvest Haunted House launches on October 26, and runs through Halloween. It will be located next to the Academy Theatre. Tickets are $10, and all of the proceeds go to the charities mentioned above.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:06 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:06:52 GMT
If you're hitting the road this weekend, you wont be alone. Plenty of drivers are expected to make use of the long Memorial Day weekend, both in and out of town.
If you're hitting the road this weekend, you wont be alone. Plenty of drivers are expected to make use of the long Memorial Day weekend, both in and out of town.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:00 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:00:01 GMT
An Army Reserve sergeant surprised his daughter by returning from an overseas deployment and presenting her with her diploma at high school graduation.
An Army Reserve sergeant surprised his daughter by returning from an overseas deployment and presenting her with her diploma at high school graduation.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:32 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:32:57 GMT
Authorities say more than a dozen people were injured in an accident involving a hotel shuttle bus near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning.
Authorities say more than a dozen people were injured in an accident involving a hotel shuttle bus near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:28 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:28:55 GMT
In-depth reporting by the Druid Hills High School student newspaper on DeKalb's accreditation controversy landed the head of SACS as the school's commencement speaker on Friday.
In-depth reporting by the Druid Hills High School student newspaper on DeKalb's accreditation controversy landed the head of SACS as the school's commencement speaker on Friday.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:50 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:50:02 GMT
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer boating season. Authorities are reminding folks that there are some new laws on Georgia's waterways.
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer boating season. Authorities are reminding folks that there are some new laws on Georgia's waterways.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:44 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:44:03 GMT
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by Superstorm Sandy.
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by superstorm Sandy. The Fox 5 weather team is calling for sunny skies on Sunday and Monday.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:34 PM EDT2013-05-25 01:34:31 GMT
Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested by New York City police after investigating a report of her allegedly smoking marijuana in the lobby of her Midtown Manhattan building.
Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested by New York City police after investigating a report of her allegedly smoking marijuana in the lobby of her Midtown Manhattan building.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:15 PM EDT2013-05-25 01:15:35 GMT
When workers installed one of the much-heralded bike-sharing stations on West 22nd Street near 10th Avenue, they put it right in front of the brownstones.
When workers installed one of the much-heralded bike-sharing stations on West 22nd Street near 10th Avenue, they put it right in front of the brownstones, impacting the entrances for homeowners and tenants.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:10 PM EDT2013-05-25 00:10:09 GMT
AP photo
Resorts held a grand opening Thursday for Margaritaville, the $35 million restaurant, bar, and gambling complex that's part of a $70 million expansion and renovation.
Resorts held a grand opening Thursday for Margaritaville, the $35 million restaurant, bar, and gambling complex that's part of a $70 million expansion and renovation.
Friday, May 24 2013 6:09 PM EDT2013-05-24 22:09:59 GMT
New York State has 17,000 highway bridges. There are some bad ones. The Tappan Zee Bridge, for example, is set to be replaced because of aging infrastructure.
New York State has 17,000 highway bridges. There are some bad ones. The Tappan Zee Bridge, for example, is set to be replaced because of aging infrastructure.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:33 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:33:47 GMT
New Jersey Transit bus riders will soon have a new way to get across the Hudson River: by boat. The agency is partnering with New York Waterways, which will provide ferry service to customers. The
New Jersey Transit bus riders will soon have a new way to get across the Hudson River: by boat. The agency is partnering with New York Waterways, which will provide ferry service to customers. The
