The Los Angeles Ghostbusters: Busting Ghosts and Giving Back
Who ya gonna call to deliver happiness? The Los Angeles Ghostbusters!
The Los Angeles Ghostbusters is a cosplay group comprised of passionate Busters who love to put a smile on people’s face and who believe in giving back by fundraising for causes that make an important difference in the world. Members of the LA Ghostbusters have been incredible supporters of Starlight’s mission, hosting raffles and events to raise funds to deliver happiness to kids in the hospital.
“We’re definitely driven by giving back,” shared Matt Zunich, a founding member of the group. “Doing low-key community events, doing charity events, children’s hospital visits, toy drives – that’s really where we feel like we shine.”
“Ghostbusters Night” at Scum & Villainy Cantina
On November 13, The Los Angeles Ghostbusters partnered with Scum & Villainy Cantina, Hollywood’s “friendly neighborhood geek bar,” to host a themed fundraising event in support of Starlight. Dressed in complete Ghostbuster uniforms, the team even brought their proton packs to “capture” any ghosts that tried to cause any shenanigans.
“We are raising money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation,” shared member Jeremy Treat. “We bring happiness to the world, to children, and families out here in the public. [Starlight brings] happiness to sick kids in hospitals because we know that happy kids heal faster.”
With specialty cocktails, guests in cosplay, and a riveting round of trivia inspired by the Ghostbusters films, it was a fun and immersive experience for guests. Trivia participants and bar patrons were invited to donate to Starlight throughout the event, and Scum & Villainy Cantina donated a percentage of sales of their featured “Stay Puft” Marshmallow Martini.
The event raised over $13,000, making this their most successful fundraiser for Starlight! Check out some of the night’s highlights.
The LA Ghostbusters are united by a strong sense of community and commitment to giving back. As a group united by a “love of geeky fandoms,” members understand the importance of finding happiness through social connections and shared entertainment.
“It used to be hard being a geek,” Matt reflected. “As technology made connections easier, we all eventually gravitated towards each other and found our people, forming a community of like-minded geeks who were accepting and enthusiastic about sharing our fandom and our happiness.”
Starlight’s programs give kids a chance to play, socialize, and experience moments of joy while stuck in the hospital. Bringing joy to kids and families through role-playing and ghostbusting antics has always been their purpose, so supporting Starlight’s mission to deliver happiness to hospitalized children was a natural alignment.
“We are proud to be fundraising partners of the Starlight Children’s Foundation with great affection for their similar mission of bringing happiness to the lives of seriously ill children and their families. Happiness is healing... emotionally for some, and physically for others.”
- Matt Zunich, founding member of the LA Ghostbusters
There are so many ways to give back to Starlight! From themed events to bake sales or Facebook fundraisers, the options are limitless. Learn how you can deliver happiness with a Starlight fundraiser!
