Name: Brett Gage
Year: Junior
Major: Econ and BIP
Relationship Status: Single
Why did you want to be in charge of Project Scare?
First because it’s one of our biggest philanthropy events, and I wanted an opportunity to give back to the house and to the rest of campus. I transferred to Northwestern last year, and as a new student everyone was so welcoming to me. This seemed like a great chance to give back to the Northwestern community.
Can you tell us about this year’s beneficiary?
This year’s beneficiary is really close to home for all of us in SAE. Junior Nick Brandis’ mother recently passed away after her long battle with cancer. She was diagnosed when Nick was about 4, and was told she only had a few years to live. However, she fought her cancer for 16 years. That is why we chose the UC San Francisco Neuro-Oncology Unit as our beneficiary. She received most of her treatment there and they do amazing work.
We selected them as our beneficiary because there is really no better option. It’s something for all of us to rally behind, and we’re really excited to show our support.
I know there’s a different theme for the house every year. Can you explain this year’s theme?
This year’s theme is “Massacre”, which is along the lines of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The concept is that you are entering the chainsaw murderer’s house, and he’s just been arrested. You’re first people to arrive on the crime scene, and his lair is filled with mangled bodies and torture devices.
Give us one reason everybody should go to Project Scare?
Beyond the fact that it’s for an awesome beneficiary, it will be the scariest haunted house that we’ve ever done. People are going to be scared out of their minds.
What’s your biggest fear?
That’s a hard one. I would have to say my biggest fear is getting lost in the ocean. If I was like in a plane crash or fell off a boat, and then I was just floating in the ocean. You don’t know what’s below you and you have to keep yourself afloat. It’s terrifying.
What are you dressing up as this Halloween?
Besides what I’m wearing for Project SCARE, I’m probably going to wear my new favorite article of clothing. I ordered a lion suit online, with a mane and everything. My friends keep saying it’s the Cowardly Lion, but I would like everyone to know it is ferocious, strong lion. I’m going for more of a Simba look.
In your opinion, should a girl’s costume be sexy, scary, or funny?
I think sexy, but also witty. There should be some thought put into it. Not just stupid sexy.
Would you ever take a girl to a haunted house on a first date?
I don’t think a haunted house is really my style. If I really liked a girl I would go for something more romantic. I would go for something a little more scenic, like a picnic on the Lakefill.
Come see Brett, the rest of SAE, and the ladies Alpha Phi this Thursday through Saturday at Project SCARE: Massacre. This Thursday through Saturday at the SAE house. The house is open from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. The entry fee is $5 and all proceeds will go to the UCSF Medical Center Neuro-Oncology Fund for cancer research and support for families with loved ones who are suffering from brain tumors. This donation will be made on behalf of the Brandis family.