Board Member Spotlight - Sharon Freaks Herself Out for Kids
ECPAT-USA board member Sharon Appelman hates scary movies. But last month, in order to support our work during COVID-19 and bring a smile to people’s faces during an uncertain time, Sharon challenged herself to do something she had only done a few times in the past - watch a horror film from start to finish. Sharon used to say that no one could ever pay her enough money to watch a scary movie-but then turned that thought into a fundraiser!
Sharon joined the board of ECPAT-USA in early 2019, after wanting to give back by joining a non-profit working to eliminate one of the things in the world that horrifies her the most - child sex trafficking. Since then, we have been so grateful for her continued support and her creativity when it comes to raising awareness of the issue. Learn more about her experience watching Scream - and see a video of some of her real-time reactions to the film - below.
How did you first hear about ECPAT’s work and what led you to join the board?
This is an unusual story. I wanted to join a board in order to give back to the community and I asked myself the question “what horrifies me the most?”. Immediately, child sex trafficking came to my mind and I knew that it would become the primary cause that I support. However, I was not familiar with the non-profits that work in the field. I sought out the assistance of Neuberger Berman’s Foundation President and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility. She researched the field and when ECPAT-USA impressed us both she called them on my behalf. I was connected with ECPAT-USA’s Executive Director and the rest is history.
Why did you feel compelled to challenge yourself to watch a scary movie? How big of a challenge was this for you?
This is an idea that occurred to me in conversation with colleagues back in January of this year. Initially, I thought I would view the movie in front of a live audience. However, once we were in lockdown it occurred to me that it made sense to hold the challenge in quarantine. I wondered if it might be a welcome distraction for people stuck at home. Watching a scary movie was an enormous challenge for me. I typically avoid disturbing movies at all costs!
How many scary movies have you watched in your life? Was this your first one ever?
Very few. In my teens and early twenties I found myself inadvertently watching a few scary movies with family and friends. Sometimes the movies would haunt me for weeks after watching. As I got a little older I realized that there is no reason for me to watch something that disturbs my mind that much, so I began a strategy of complete avoidance!
What were the reactions from your friends and family to your challenge?
The response was very enthusiastic! Many of my friends, relatives and colleagues commented on how original the idea was. People thought it was lots of fun! I will really have to put my thinking cap on to come up with an equally creative fundraising idea for next year…
What was the experience like overall? Any nightmares afterward? Are you now a convert to scary movies?
Honestly, I absolutely hated the movie. I was counting down the minutes until it would be over! I was a physical wreck throughout. It probably took two to three days for the tension to leave my body. That said, I am so glad that I did it. It was well worth the physical discomfort. I still cannot believe we raised more than double the original goal! I avoided nightmares, however. I do not believe I will ever be a convert to scary movies.
What do you hope others take away from your challenge?
I feel there are several takeaways: 1) Quarantine can actually afford a good platform for fundraising. You just need to be willing to adapt the format. 2) Despite the financial hardship that many people are facing right now, generosity remains strong! I believe we are all craving a little joy, meaning and inspiration. 3) Continuing our commitment to important causes has never been more urgent. Suffering and hardship are unfortunately ubiquitous. Happily, the drive to help others has also proven to be very strong during this difficult time.
Get the latest on the issue and our work to protect children across the country from exploitation by signing up for our newsletter here.