St. George Couple Uses Halloween Display to Aid Neighbors

James and Diana Mays use their elaborate annual home decorations to collect donations for their nonprofit.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Philanthropy

Bold vector editorial illustration featuring stylized carved pumpkins and warm glowing lanterns on a wrought iron gate in a desert suburb. — James and Diana Mays are leveraging their annual Halloween display in St. George to raise funds for their nonprofit, Pancakes and Love. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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St. George residents James and Diana Mays are utilizing their intricate Halloween display to solicit charitable donations. The couple founded the nonprofit Pancakes and Love to provide community support for neighbors during difficult times.

Why it matters

By leveraging a massive holiday exhibit, the couple hopes to foster stronger local connections and raise funds for those in need. Their efforts highlight how personal traditions can be repurposed to generate tangible philanthropic impact for the St. George community.

The elaborate display costs between $30,000 and $40,000 to maintain, and the couple recently hosted a pancake breakfast for more than 100 people. The seasonal decorations require a 15-by-40-foot storage unit when not currently in use.

The players

James and Diana Mays

These St. George residents are the founders of the nonprofit organization Pancakes and Love.

Pancakes and Love

This is a nonprofit organization established to provide assistance and support to neighbors experiencing difficult times.

The details

The display is located at 274 San Rafael Place and operates with lights active nightly from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to contribute to various charitable causes listed on the nonprofit website.

The couple began the annual Halloween tradition in 2018.
The decorations are displayed annually each October.
A pancake breakfast for local residents took place on a recent Saturday.

Market Landscape

This project reflects the rise of community-led hyper-local philanthropy where individuals utilize personal platforms to drive grassroots support. It shifts the traditional fundraising model by placing personal engagement and local neighbor-to-neighbor connection at the center of the donor experience.

Residents can visit the display at 274 San Rafael Place during evening hours to enjoy the exhibit and participate in the donation efforts. Contributions made through the couple's website go directly toward supporting neighbors in need.

The takeaway

Turning personal seasonal projects into charitable endeavors can effectively engage a local community. Residents looking to support their neighbors can align their holiday activities with active local nonprofit missions.