New non-profit created to operate Haunted Sawmill
The Haunted Sawmill, initially a fundraising event for a Merrill Boy Scout troop, is now under the direction of the new non-profit organization, the Friends of Vincent Foundation.
“The Friends of Vincent Foundation is going to be the body putting on the Haunted Sawmill event,” said FOV Board Chair Jerry Hersil. “It is not solely a Boy Scout function anymore, but will be benefitting any youth in the Merrill area who wants to participate.”
Previously held by a private LLC, ownership of the Haunted Sawmill building on Hendricks Street will soon be transferred to the Friends of Vincent Foundation.
In seven years of operation, the Haunted Sawmill has become a popular haunted attraction in Wisconsin, attracting around 8,000 visitors annually in recent years.
Proceeds from the event had previously been divvied up into the individual scouting accounts of Scouts who put in hours at the Haunted Sawmill. Based on opinions from the IRS and the Boy Scouts of America, that practice has ceased.
“That really helped push us in the direction we’ve wanted to go all along,” said Hersil, who has been involved in the Haunted Sawmill since its inception. “It really puts everything under one roof, finally.”
Going forward, all money raised through the Haunted Sawmill will go through the Friends of Vincent organization. Youth who participate can apply for funding to cover their costs of activities, be it scouting or other youth organizations. The foundation will also continue the practice of making donations to community causes.
“We want to keep doing good things for Merrill,” Hersil said. “The event is being run by a non-profit organization whose mission is to benefit youth in the Merrill community.”
The Friends of Vincent is also in the process of creating an Explorer post, a co-ed opportunity through Boy Scouts of America for youth ages 14-20. Each Explorer post is centered around specific career paths. The Haunted Sawmill Explorer Post will focus on skills youth can learn at the haunted house, such as theater arts, theatrical makeup and set construction.
“There are so many things they can have hands-on experience with at the Sawmill,” Hersil said.
Proceeds from the Haunted Sawmill would fund the activities of the Explorer post.
The Haunted Sawmill is currently readying its 2018 show, “Noctural Carnival,” which opens Oct. 6. There are lots of opportunities for volunteers to get involved. Anyone interested may contact Hersil at 715-536-4511 or send a message through the Haunted Sawmill Facebook page. Open tryouts for actors will be announced in the near future. Adults must pass a background check to participate.