SUTV embarked on its biggest journey yet by raising hundreds for a good cause through an unforgettable 12-hour night of fright last Friday. 

On Oct. 20, Shippensburg University’s award-winning television station featured 26 horror icons, 14 independent filmmakers and 11 prizes for their first ever Halloween livestream, “It Came From the Television."

Hosted by SUTV General Manager Adam Beam, the livestream was set to showcase 12 hours of historic horror films and interviews from horror filmmakers, directors and producers. The goal of the livestream was to raise ten thousand dollars for the Spirit of Children foundation, a charity funded through Spirit Halloween.

Spirit of Children works to make hospitals less scary for children and their families by providing fun and funding to Child Life departments within children’s hospitals. Donations help to guide families through challenging medical situations and hospital stays by providing therapeutic and emotional healing to young patients through toys, sensory items and supporting Child Life salaries.

SUTV’s spooktacular was also a showcase of several horror geniuses, including creator of “Hocus Pocus” Mick Garris and the creator of the “Final Destination” franchise, Jeremy Reddick. Beam’s series of interviews with these guests, titled “Talking Horror”, can be viewed on his YouTube channel @adambeam845.

While the fundraiser was a way for the organization to raise funds, the 12-hour event also acted as a way for crew members to bond with one another. While horror films played, crew members were able to chat with one another, play card games, participate in games of Wordle and indulge in self-care with face masks. 

“Since it’s my first semester in SUTV, I really enjoyed getting to spend time with the other crew members and learn more about how to run a broadcast,” sophomore Jayden Pohlman said. “From playing Wordle in the classroom to Sheetz runs at 2:30 a.m., it was such an unforgettable experience. Overall, it was awesome to be able to support Adam’s senior project and a great charity.”

“The idea for this event came from my love of horror films and Halloween,” Beam said. “I always wanted to do something fun for October with SUTV, and since I knew there was a lot of potential in livestreaming, the ideas spiraled from there. Some ideas didn’t come to pass, but in the end, the event was pretty much the one I envisioned back in April.”

“I chose Spirit of Children as our charity because it was a charity I love to donate to every year,” Beam said. “And researching further into them, I noticed all the wonderful things they’ve accomplished, and I knew they were the one. It also helped that they fit the spooky vibe we were going for."

Beam has been part of SUTV in several different roles since his freshman year and has been general manager since Spring of 2023. 

“It’s bittersweet realizing that my leadership time in SUTV is drawing to a close,” Beam said. “It’s been a great experience, and this livestream is certainly an event I’ll look back on fondly.”

Those interested in donating to SUTV’s fundraiser can find the GoFundMe, you can win prizes by donating. The link to SUTV’s GoFundMe for the Spirit of Children foundation can be found in the link in their Instagram bio @sutvnews. 

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