Twenty-one-year-old Allison Cross is a young lady with a philanthropic spirit. As a child, she donated her birthday presents to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Later, concerned about climate change, she planned a concert to raise local awareness amongst her peers. Currently, Cross is planning a Halloween event, Ghouls Save the World: A Lahaina Charity Event, at Oscura in Bradenton to raise money for Aloha United Way’s Maui fire relief effort.

Cross, a graduate of Venice High School, has attended SCF with hopes to become a film director one day. Taking a bit of a break from school, she is now dedicating her time to helping others in need. “I’ve been hearing such terrible stories about the destruction in Maui,” she says, “and I want to do as much as I can to help them, even if it's just a little bit.”

Ghouls Save the World is planned to be an entertaining Halloween event, with dancers performing the Halloween favorite, Thriller, by Michael Jackson, song provided by classically-trained soprano singer, Katy Cristiani, and Halloween-themed music played by other musicians, including Cross herself, who is a bass guitar player. Guests are encouraged to come in costume and take part in the Halloween costume contest. In addition, there will be vendors who will also be donating money earned at the event to United Way’s Maui fire relief effort.

“The event is open to those 18 years of age and older for a suggested donation of $5.00 at the door, but of course you can give more if your spooky heart desires,” says Cross. Cash or check is welcomed (checks can be made out to Aloha United Way, memo Maui Fire Relief). All of the proceeds will go to Aloha United Way.

Ghouls Save the World, Oct 31, 2023, 7 pm, Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, 941-201-4950, https://oscura.live/.

To learn more, visit