CNN 5 Things 5 Good Things: Hundreds of Spooky Displays for a Sweet Cause
Oct 18, 2025
A dad’s Halloween display evolved into a nationwide movement, raising nearly $1 million for kids with cancer. Discover the mystery of redfish with unique tail markings that intrigue anglers and scientists alike. Meet the first American champion at the Cheese Olympics, who shares her journey amid challenging tasks. High school students in NYC flex their culinary skills with winning recipes that now grace cafeteria menus citywide. Plus, Italy's 100-year-old barista continues to brew joy for her community, proving age is just a number!
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Halloween Display Becomes Nationwide Fundraiser
- Jeff Robertson turned a goofy Halloween display into a national fundraising movement for St. Jude called Skeletons for St. Jude.
- The campaign grew to about 550 homes and raised $972,000 over six years, nearing $1 million this Halloween.
Nature's Quirks Spark Community Science
- Redfish tail spots resemble symbols purely by coincidence but capture anglers' imaginations and community interest.
- The patterns serve as 'false eyes' to fool predators and also sparked conservation-minded groups like Drum Spots.
American Wins Cheese Olympics
- Amelia Delbero became the first American to win gold at the Mondial du Fromage, the Cheesemonger World Cup in France.
- She competed in nine intensive challenges, helping change perceptions of American cheese culture on the world stage.