Big LeBoneski returns: Bellefonte’s annual Skeletons for St. Jude fundraiser continues
TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Scenes from this year’s annual Big LeBoneski skeleton display in Bellefonte are shown.
TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Scenes from this year’s annual Big LeBoneski skeleton display in Bellefonte are shown.
TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Scenes from this year’s annual Big LeBoneski skeleton display in Bellefonte are shown.
TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Scenes from this year’s annual Big LeBoneski skeleton display in Bellefonte are shown.
TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Scenes from this year’s annual Big LeBoneski skeleton display in Bellefonte are shown.
TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Scenes from this year’s annual Big LeBoneski skeleton display in Bellefonte are shown.
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BELLEFONTE -- The Mattie Family, of Bellefonte, is participating in the Skeletons for St. Jude nationwide fundraiser for a fifth year, bringing back the iconic Big LeBoneski.
This year's theme was courtesy of Nancy's Penn State-Erie college roommate, Molly.
Those who come visit the display at the Matties' home can donate by scanning a QR code or placing donations into a locked box at the display.
If you can't donate, don't worry, you also have the chance to support St. Jude by visiting fundraising.stjude.org/goto/TheBigLeBoneski2026
The Big LeBoneski and his friends have returned to Centre County where they're ready to tackle childhood cancer.
"For the fifth year, our bone-headed crew is taking the field for the nationwide Skeletons for St. Jude fundraiser! Over the past four years, this frightfully fun display has raised more than $7,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. This year, we're hoping to score another $1,500 for the kids," a release from the Mattie family said.
This year's theme is sticking with Happy Valley territory with a full-on Penn State football tailgate.
"The Big LeBoneski is bringing his A-game in a custom 7XL jersey, while his skeletal squad is decked out in PSU gear and inflatable costumes," the release said. "Around the tailgate, you'll find skeletons and witches dealing cards, tossing cornhole, firing up the grill and brewing up some spell-binding beverages"
The lights come on at dark and the tailgate lasts through Oct. 31.
"So grab your crew, make a game-day stop and check out the bone-ified action," the release said. "Come for the tailgate, stay for the scares and help us tackle childhood cancer -- one donation at a time!"
Skeletons for St. Jude began in 2020 when the Robertson family in Holly Springs, N.C., placed a St. Jude fundraising sign in their yard following a local TV station featuring their skeletal Halloween display. After raising $8,200 in just a few weeks and meeting families impacted by childhood cancer, they were inspired to make the fundraiser an annual tradition.
From 2021 to 2025, Skeletons for St. Jude expanded nationwide, reaching more than 1,000 partner homes by 2024. To date, thousands of generous donors have contributed over $1.16 million to support St. Jude children and families battling cancer. St. Jude is hoping to surpass $2 million by 2028.