Why a Wilmington haunted car wash is turning Halloween screams into help for cats

A Halloween car wash in Wilmington is doubling as a cat rescue fundraiser. Mako Express Car Wash is inviting drivers to roll through a spooky wash experience on four October nights, with organizers saying every dollar raised will go to All 4 Cats Rescue.

The event is set for Oct. 23, 24, 30 and 31 at Mako Express Car Wash, 3819 Carolina Beach Road. Each night runs from 7 to 10 p.m. and gives drivers a themed wash with spooky characters who may surprise them along the way.

Admission is $25. That price includes a car wash package organizers say is valued at $30 and comes with deep cleaning, waxing and a shine.

What makes the event especially notable for cat lovers is where the money is going. Organizers say 100% of the proceeds will be donated to All 4 Cats Rescue, a local no-kill cat rescue that serves New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties.

For residents in southeastern North Carolina, the fundraiser offers a way to take part in a Halloween activity while also supporting rescue work for cats in the region. The haunted wash starts Oct. 23, continues Oct. 24, and returns Oct. 30 and Halloween night, Oct. 31.

Anyone planning to go will find all four events at the same Carolina Beach Road location, with the same 7 to 10 p.m. schedule each night. For cat supporters, the key change is simple: a seasonal car wash promotion is also a direct fundraiser for a local rescue, and organizers say every ticket sold helps that effort.