04/14/2026
What is "Back to Ghoul"?
"Back to Ghoul" is a play on words for "Back to School". Since it is an event put on by Zom-B13 (a zombie-themed entertainment group out of Pendleton, Oregon), the uniquely chosen name was perfect for what it's for.
The event began during a time of need in 2021. Many families were struggling. Zom-B13 saw a need and answered the call to help. So, one summer morning of 2021 they set up a small canopy in the parking lot of the Pendleton Round-Up Gift Shop and gave away around 50 school backpacks filled with school supplies (and a few assorted gifts to cheer kids up) for FREE.
The very next year, 2022, with some help from community members (waves at Alicia Reynen) the event got a little bigger, taking place at Roy Raley Park and giving away around 250 backpacks filled with school supplies. It was also the year that the name "Back to Ghoul" was created for the occasion.
2023 saw us have our biggest event ever. With the help of multiple businesses donating, car wash fundraisers bringing in donations, and a huge collaborative team effort through the summer months, the event took place at the Pendleton Convention Center. Free haircuts were provided, free hygiene supplies were made available, free safety I.Ds were provided by B.A.C.A, DJ Ricochet bringing the music, Parks & Rec provided fun games for kids to play, it was a huge event. Over 500 backpacks with school supplies were given out, and another 100 or so donated to area schools.
The following year in 2024 saw some changes, the introduction of the Ghoul Bus fundraiser, and Zom-B13 adjusted to the needs of the community by scaling the event down. This time the event was held at the Vert Club Room. The smaller turnout was considered successful as only around 90 backpacks with school supplies were handed out, which indicated that perhaps the needs of the community were being met and families were able to catch up for their kids.
2025 was kept small to the same location. The Ghoul Bus Fundraiser event also returned and helped fund most of the Back to Ghoul event as about 8 large boxes worth of school supplies were donated. About 125 backpacks with school supplies were handed out, just slightly more than last year, and something was noticed: K-5 wasn't as in-demand while 6-12 was heavily requested but ran out before any other grades. An important note was made as a result.
2026 is planned to be the biggest that's ever been done. Details will be shared at the Zom-B13 booth during the Pendleton Street Fair on May 16th. Volunteer Sign-ups will be available and representatives will be on hand to answer any questions.
Zom-B13 looks forward to continue its support of area families in need no matter how big or small.
