Thank You
October 24 2026
There comes a point in every journey when you stop and look around at how far you've come. Over the past few weeks, I've found myself doing exactly that. As many of you know, I'm currently competing in Face of Halloween. While I'm honored to be doing well and currently sitting in 2nd Place in the Top 15 Round, what has impacted me the most isn't the ranking. It's the people. As I looked through the names of supporters, voters, donors, friends, family members, classmates, fellow filmmakers, haunted attraction enthusiasts, and members of the Halloween community, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. Some of you I've known for decades. Some I've met through church. Some through music. Some through haunted attractions. Some through filmmaking, social media, work, school, and the many twists and turns life has taken me through. And yet, here you all are. Supporting me. Believing in me. Cheering me on. That means more to me than I can adequately express.
A Special Birthday Reflection
This past week was especially meaningful. I celebrated my 51st birthday. I reflected on being only one year away from graduating film school. I thought about being inducted into the Honor Society, something I had dreamed of accomplishing since high school. I thought about the long road that brought me here. The poetry. The music. The art. The bands. The haunted attractions. The friendships. The successes. The failures. The setbacks. The second chances. The stories. If there's one thing I've learned throughout my life, it's this: Dreams don't have an expiration date.
Many years ago, I couldn't have imagined that I would be pursuing filmmaking, producing my own projects, building original characters and stories, and sharing those creations with people around the world. Yet here I am. Not because I did it alone. Because I didn't. Every person who encouraged me, worked alongside me, believed in me, shared a post, cast a vote, attended one of my attractions, listened to my music, read something I wrote, or simply offered a kind word became part of this journey. You helped build this story.
Why the Starlight Children's Foundation Matters to Me
One of the things that makes this journey especially meaningful is the connection to the Starlight Children's Foundation. Many people know me through filmmaking, haunted attractions, Halloween, or 13 Screams Productions. What many people may not know is that I grew up dealing with health challenges and spent a lot of time in and out of hospitals as a child. I remember what it was like to be scared. I remember what it was like to feel isolated. I remember wishing things could just be normal. That's one of the reasons Face of Halloween means so much to me. When I think about the children and families supported by the Starlight Children's Foundation, I see a little of my younger self in them. I know what it feels like to face challenges that most people don't see. I understand how important hope, encouragement, and even a simple moment of joy can be during difficult times. That's why this competition has never been just about rankings for me. If participating in Face of Halloween helps bring comfort, support, or even a single smile to a child facing the kinds of challenges I experienced growing up, then every vote, every share, and every moment spent on this journey is worth it. That is something I will always be proud to support.
How You Can Help
While I'm grateful for every vote and every show of support, I'm equally grateful for the opportunity to be part of something bigger than myself. Whether you've voted, shared a post, donated votes, or simply cheered me on from the sidelines, you've helped support not only my journey, but a cause that means a great deal to me personally. For that, I thank you. I'd also encourage everyone to take a few moments to learn more about the Starlight Children's Foundation and the incredible work they do for seriously ill children and their families. Whether through:
- Supporting their mission
- Sharing awareness
- Volunteering
- Donating
- Encouraging others to get involved
Every act of kindness helps create brighter days for children who need them most. Sometimes the smallest act of kindness can have the biggest impact. If my participation in this competition shines even a little more light on the work they do, then that's a victory all by itself.
Thank You
That is why I wanted to take a moment to simply say: Thank you. Thank you for supporting me during this Face of Halloween journey. Thank you for supporting The Mark. Thank you for supporting 13 Screams Productions. Thank you for supporting KSME Channel 13. Thank you for supporting the Starlight Children's Foundation. Most importantly...Thank you for supporting me. No matter what happens in this competition, I already consider myself incredibly fortunate because I've had the opportunity to connect with so many amazing people over the years. The story continues. And I hope you'll continue the journey with me.
Stay Spooky, Sesame.
Continue the Journey
If you've been following my journey through Face of Halloween, filmmaking, The Mark, 13 Screams Productions, or KSME Channel 13, I'd be honored to have your continued support. I am currently competing in the Top 15 Round, and voting remains open until Thursday, November 5 at 10:00 PM CDT. While free daily votes are always appreciated, I'd also like to highlight something very important:
Every paid vote helps support the Starlight Children's Foundation.
That's one of the reasons this competition means so much to me. As someone who spent a significant part of my childhood dealing with health challenges and hospital visits, I understand how important hope, comfort, and support can be during difficult times. When you cast a paid vote, you're not only supporting my journey, you're helping support a cause that brings happiness, encouragement, and life-changing experiences to children and families facing serious medical challenges. No matter who you're cheering for in this competition, I encourage everyone to learn more about the incredible work the Starlight Children's Foundation does every day.
🧡 A vote can do more than move someone up the leaderboard.
🧡 It can help make a difference in a child's life.
⭐The Starlight Children's foundation⭐
👉 Face of Halloween Voting Page 👈
Christopher Criss
Founder, 13 Screams Productions
Filmmaker • Storyteller • Horror Creator
P.S. If you'd like to help me continue this journey in Face of Halloween, voting for the Top 15 Round remains open until Thursday at 10:00 PM CDT. Every vote is appreciated, and every bit of support helps keep the story going. 🎃🏆🎬🖤
