A North Carolina family’s Halloween display began as a neighbourhood attraction. Six years later, it had helped inspire a nationwide fundraising network supporting children treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
In 2020, Jeff Robertson put up an elaborate Halloween display outside his family’s home in Holly Springs, North Carolina. As visitors stopped to see it, the family set out a donation sign for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The display generated more than $8,000 that first year, according to St. Jude’s own account.
From one front yard to a national effort
The initiative grew into Skeletons for St. Jude, bringing together people who decorate their homes for Halloween and the winter holidays. Participating households invite visitors to give to the hospital’s charitable mission.
On the initiative’s official St. Jude fundraising page, organizers say the movement has involved more than 1,000 participating homes across almost every U.S. state, as well as supporters outside the country.
What the fundraising figures mean
The group reports that its cumulative fundraising passed $1.1 million by the end of 2025. Its own website lists annual fundraising figures, while St. Jude’s fundraising page confirms the cumulative milestone. Because the 2026 Halloween season has just ended and final totals are not verified here, this article does not present a new 2026 total.
St. Jude says donations through the official fundraiser go directly to the hospital, with donors receiving receipts. Its work includes childhood cancer treatment and research, alongside support for families.
Creativity with a purpose
Robertson’s idea succeeds partly because it makes charitable action approachable. Families can keep a tradition they enjoy, neighbours can take part without a formal event, and donations support a specific, established medical institution.
The organization continues to invite new households to participate and hopes to increase its cumulative fundraising over coming seasons. Any future targets should be understood as aspirations, not money already raised.
It’s an uplifting reminder that a simple local tradition, shared widely, can become a collective act of generosity.
Sources: St. Jude’s account of Jeff Robertson’s initiative; Official St. Jude fundraising page; Skeletons for St. Jude organizers’ website.
Featured Halloween photograph is illustrative and does not depict Jeff Robertson’s home or a participating display.
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