If you’ve got it, haunt it at SER's "Rocky Horror" fundraiser

By Christian E. Ojeda

Changes in the weather and the sudden appearance of synthetic cobwebs and jack-o’-lanterns displayed across Williams Building hallway and classroom walls must mean…

…the annual Southeast Review Halloween fundraiser is happening.

The staff of the independent literary magazine invites one and all for another night of readings, costumes, and spooky fun, only this time with a time-warping twist.

The Tuesday, Oct. 29, Rocky Horror-themed event will be held at fan favorite The Bark and organizers promise a wickedly eclectic mix of activities and talent. The lineup features tarot card readings by English Professor Celia Caputi and literary readings by department faculty members Professor Diane Roberts and Associate Lecturer Molly Hand.

English department doctoral students Chris Watkins, Caroline Laganas, Madilyne Brooks-Miller, and Fernanda Teixeira will also share new works that may or may not be linked to themes and vibes of Halloween.

Guests are encouraged to dress up and partake in a night that not only celebrates the haunting season but also supports the efforts of the dedicated staff that produces the nationally recognized magazine that is housed in FSU’s Williams Building.

As a nonprofit, student-run publication, the magazine depends on community support to keep the publication going. This Halloween fundraiser is an excellent opportunity for the organization to raise funds while having a little (or a lot) of fun.

“A successful night means a lot to us because it helps cover our operating costs for the year,” SER’s Editor-in-chief Emilio Carrero says. “This allows us to continue publishing emerging and established writers to a national audience, and it also allows us to invest in community outreach programs that we believe in.”

The magazine’s Events and Community Outreach Coordinator Chinelo Eneh says the fundraiser is “a mix of literature but also fun.” Tasked with organizing a variety of initiatives SER carries out, Eneh describes her job as “the person who dots the Is and crosses the Ts,” but emphasizes that this event is made possible because of the hard work of staff, interns, and community leaders coming together for a common goal.

Through the bake sale, silent auction, and poetry on-demand station, Carrero and Eneh hope eventgoers consider contributing money to the magazine, while enjoying the seasonal atmosphere among good company.

Community sponsors are a big part of the fundraiser as well, with local businesses Midtown Reader, Catalina Café, and Lucky Goat offering their goods to the auction and contributing to a returning fan favorite: the annual Halloween costume contest. Students, faculty members, campus community members, and other guests who show up in their October best have the chance to win a basket of books, candy, stickers, and other Halloween-themed goodies.

While not everyone can be a winner, the real prize lies in the energy and purpose of the night. Eneh verbalizes this sentiment perfectly.

“In addition to all the cool things happening,” she says, “it’s an opportunity for everyone to get together, let their hair down, and have fun celebrating arts and community.”

Christian E. Ojeda is an English-Editing, Writing, and Media major, with a minor in hospitality.

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Schedule

Faculty & Student Reading (6:30-7:30 p.m.)

Silent Auction (throughout the night)

SER will be auctioning a variety of gifts donated from local Tallahassee businesses and authors you love including Midtown Reader, Lucky Goat, Kaveh Akbar, Karyna McGlynn, and more.

Trivia Contest (7-8:45 p.m.)

After the faculty & student reading, there will be a trivia contest. It's free to enter. Teams of four to six people can compete and test their knowledge in themed rounds. Prizes will be awarded to first and second place winners.

Tarot Readings (7-9 p.m.)

Readings will last approximately 15 minutes.

Poetry on Demand (throughout the night)

If you desire poetry written especially for you, there will be poetry on-demand from English department graduate student poets, Hayden Nielander and Ifeoluwa Ayandele. Come see the witch doctors with three words in mind, and they will alchemize a poem (spell) just for you.

Bake Sale (throughout the night)

For those with sweet tooths, the bake sale this year includes some magic potions and infusions to help you fall in love or pass prelims.

Costume Contest (8:30-9:30 p.m.)

And last, but not least, is the costume contest, with three categories: Rocky Horror, scariest, and funniest. Prizes will be awarded to the winners.