Halloween Event Raises Memorial Scholarship Funds for Columbia Students

In the nine years since Gianna Esposito, a freshman at Columbia College Chicago who loved photography and the arts, passed away, her family has raised almost $50,000 for a memorial scholarship in her name by hosting a Halloween Haunted Faire.

“Halloween was Gianna’s favorite holiday, and she loved costumes,” says her uncle, Rick Macarol, who along with his wife Laura co-hosts the biannual event. This year’s Faire will be held Friday, October 27 from 6:30 p.m-12 a.m. at the Orland Chateau. Tickets are $35, and all proceeds benefit the scholarship fund.

This year’s recipient will be Ari Kirsch, a junior photography major from Venice, CA.

“This scholarship will allow me to spend more time developing my craft, and will help give me the freedom to put as much effort into my academic and creative projects as I believe they deserve,” Kirsch said in a statement thanking Gianna’s family and donors.

For more information, please contact the Macarols at (708) 925-9960 or rlm412@comcast.net.

Halloween Haunted Faire
Friday, October 27
6:30 p.m-12 a.m.
Orland Chateau
14500 South La Grange Road
Orland Park, IL 60462