Billed as “An Evening of Restless Spirits,” The Grim Grinning Gala on Oct. 28, 2023, promises chilling surprises, a haunted panel, a dinner to die for, a silent auction filled with items Disney fans would kill for, and a thrilling costume contest.
Guests will hear exclusive behind-the-scenes Haunted Mansion stories courtesy of a “ghost panel from regions beyond” moderated by Bill Butler, including Imagineer and Haunted Mansion Holiday Madame Leota, Kim Irvine; former Imagineer and designer of the mansion’s iconic purple wallpaper, Tania Norris; former Imagineer and son of Disney Legend Rolly Crump, Chris Crump; former Imagineer and Disney artist, Larry Nikolai; and of course, Garner Holt.
Other VIP guests in attendance include Imagineer Juleen Wood; the voice of Minnie Mouse, Kaitlyn Robrock; former Disney Imagineer and master woodcarver Ray Kinman; Disney animator Floyd Norman; actor Michael McGreevey (Disney’s “Wonderful World of Color,” “The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes,” “The Shaggy D.A.”), “What If…?” voice actor Isaac Robinson-Smith, Joe Hernandez, David Derks, and more.
The evening also features a silent auction with one-of-a-kind rare items (including items autographed by various artists and VIP guests at the event), a Haunted Attic Store hosted by Tania Norris offering vintage Disney Items (many from her personal collection), and entertainment provided by a magician from the world-famous Magic Castle and the swinging Bank of Harmony (former members of Disneyland’s Cadaver Dans).
Read our Q&A with Tania’s Norris to learn more about her Imagineering career (and that famous wallpaper).
Meet Tania McKnight Norris: Walt Disney’s Secret Imagineering Weapon
The Garner Holt Foundation
All proceeds from the eerie extravaganza will support the Garner Holt Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring creativity in young people through hands-on, career-focused learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM.) The Foundation was inspired by Garner Holt, who fulfilled his own childhood dream with Garner Holt Productions, which has produced more animatronic figures for theme parks than any other company on the planet, including for Disney and Universal theme parks around the world, as well as Knott’s Berry Farm, Legoland California, Dollywood, and many, many more.
“With the support of individuals and organizations, we are investing in the students who need it the most, unlocking their potential and helping them achieve their dreams,” notes the Foundation’s mission statement. “Together, we can turn their aspirations into reality and make a lasting difference in our community.”
Garner’s Garage
The future centerpiece of the Foundation’s in-person services will be Garner’s Garage, an inclusive maker space inspired by the place where Garner founded his company when he was in high school: inside his family garage. Design and production of the space is going on right now. It’s a primary focus of the Garner Holt Foundation and will be a significant component of community outreach supporting dreamers, makers, and creative thinkers in our community.
Crafton Hills College students have been working with the Garner Holt Productions art department to make decorations for the event.
Make Plans to Attend the Grim Grinning Gala
The Grim Grinning Gala will take place beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 28, 2023, at Garner Holt Productions (1255 Research Drive) in Redlands, Calif. General Admission is $199.90 per person, which includes a buffet dinner, dessert cart with bite-sized treats, admission to the evening’s frightful exhibits and displays, spooky photo ops, and entertainment.
Costumes are not required, but the evening’s “Ghost Host” (AKA our very own Dusty Sage, a member of the Garner Holt Foundation board) encourages you to lean into the fun and dress for the occasion.
An exclusive VIP Experience, including celebrity “ghost” table seating for dinner, VIP seating for the stage events, signed memorabilia by a celebrity guest, and a unique take-home gift is available by becoming a valued sponsor. Click here for more information.
To secure your spot, visit the event website by Oct. 17, 2023. They’re dying to have you…
“If You would like to join our jamboree,
There’s a simple rule that’s compulsory.
Mortals pay a token fee;
Rest in peace, the haunting’s free.
So hurry back, we would like your company.”