Pirate Ghost Ship Looting Community Solidarity For Smiles and Charity
/UPDATED: Aug. 21 11:26 a.m.
It may seem like an overly elaborate Halloween decoration but the pirate ghost ship on Jenn and Braden Glasbergen’s property has brought communities together while supporting charity.
Jenn (left) and Braden Glasbergen (right) have had four different elaborate front-yard decorative displays such as Easter, dinosaurs, a ghost pirate ship and a gingerbread house. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Built last year, the ship was primarily built for Halloween decoration that took about 10 weeks but has received upgrades in 2021 such as a second walkway and more decorations.
The Glasbergen’s built it largely for the community to enjoy — and partially to enjoy the decorating and holiday celebrations — but also added a charity element after onlookers asked about making donations.
The ship weighs roughly 300 pounds according to the Glasbergens. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The family did not want money but accepted non-perishable food and drink for donors to see the ship. The items went to food banks like St. Vincent de Paul for the last two years. Animal food and goods such as pet litter, toys and accessories would also be donated to local animal shelters, as the Glasbergen’s are self-proclaimed animal lovers.
“The whole entire car was filled to the brim with food and pet supplies,” send Jenn.
The ship set a good example for kids to be involved in their communities added Braden.
“It was good for the kids too, they would bring a can of soup or a box of mac and cheese or something like that to donate,” he explained. “It helps them learn to give back as well.”
The ship is fully detachable from the house and is stored in the garage when not in season. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Located on Ravenwood Drive, the decorated ship has attracted communities and even out-of-town residents to see the spectacle.
"We had a family on Halloween that saw the ship, they went back home, the whole entire family dressed up in pirate costumes,” mentioned Jenn. “We have people that have to pass every single night because the kids have to say goodnight to the ship.”
Some decorations were purchased however there were building materials and other ornaments were community-donated towards the cause.
The ship has attracted a large amount of community attention and is now open to the public including the donation box. It gets put up around late summer and taken down right after Halloween.
A treasure cove display that has a built walkway path independent of the the ship’s entrance. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
