Sold-out Ghoula once again favorite haunt of Treasure Coast Wildlife Center supporters

By: Jordan Pinkston, Special to TCPalm

PALM CITY – With the Halloween season come witches, goblins, tricks, and treats, and the Treasure Coast Wildlife Center’s annual “Ghoula” fundraising event.

Characters dressed like the fictional Ichabod Crane and the inhabitants of Sleepy Hollow welcomed a sold-out crowd of more than 150 guests, sponsors and volunteers into the Western Woods, in this case the South Florida Shooting Club, for this exclusive event on Saturday, Oct. 27, to benefit the oldest non-profit organization in the Treasure Coast region that helps sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.

The night was hosted by actors posing as the Land Barons of Sleepy Hollow.

The story concept, created by The Firefly Group and The Murder Mystery Co. and developed specifically for the Wildlife Center’s interactive murder mystery and musical experience, recreated The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

The Sleepy Hollow Sheriff’s Department was on horseback ensuring the safety of guests as they entered the village, guiding the way down the fog-covered road lined with scarecrows.

Upon arrival, Constable Ichabod Crane requested that all guests act as detectives and help him attempt to solve the mystery of the Headless Horseman, in hopes of avoiding another murder among the townspeople! Guests were on high alert as clues were given out and suspects were revealed throughout the night.

Also included in the evening’s festivities were riveting performances by well-known professional performers Shelley Keelor as Lady Van Tassel, and Charles Jones in the role of the Headless Horseman. Eventually guests solved the mystery as they feasted on a full-course dinner.

“Our annual Ghoula once again exceeded expectations, wowed guests, and nurtured new relationships and connections with the Wildlife Center,” said Treasure Coast Wildlife Center’s executive director, Dan Martinelli. “The Wildlife Center has been a treasured part of the community for 44 years and continues to grow through the love and support of the public.”

Sponsors and in-kind donors included: Caulfield & Wheeler Inc.; Charlie’s Bar & Grill; vocal talent Charles Jones; Conchy Joe’s Seafood & Dolphin Bar; Creech Consulting; Dr. Walter & Carol Dippy; Event Makers; Gallery 36, H&R Block of Martin County; House of Hope; Lucido & Associates; Martin County Farm Bureau; McIlvaine Family; Nautical Reflections; Lorna Day and Oo La La Catering; Murder Mystery Company; Palm City Farms Produce & Market; Pineland Prairie; Sailfish Wealth Management; vocal talent Shelley Keelor; South Florida Shooting Club; Steven Martine Photography; Steve Narine; Tent Logix; The Firefly Group; The Milcor Group; Wallace; and Waste Management….