Commission names benefactors for 2025 Fright Night event; nonprofits to receive 70% of proceeds

The Safety Harbor City Commission on Sept. 2 approved four nonprofit benefactors for Fright Night 2025, the community fall event at Folly Farm Nature Preserve.

Interim Leisure Services Director Shannon Schafer said benefactors were solicited through social media and direct outreach; to qualify an organization must be based in Safety Harbor or provide direct support to city residents and must commit resources to an event element, such as staffing a children’s area or managing a haunted-trail scene. The organizations approved by the commission were the Safety Harbor Lions Club (returning), Safety Harbor Kiwanis Club (returning), Essence of the Butterfly Foundation and First Presbyterian Church. Students from Eastlake High School National Honor Society will also volunteer to construct and staff a haunted-trail scene in support of the benefitting nonprofits.

Under the event plan, benefactors will divide 70% of event proceeds equally; the remaining 30% will be deposited to the city’s general fund. Schafer said proceeds will be disbursed by check after commission approval at a future meeting. Commissioners approved the list of benefactors by unanimous vote.