At Inzo Technologies, every team member receives a paid day of service to give back to a cause they care about. This initiative is part of our commitment to fostering a culture of community service and social responsibility.

For Stephen Leassner, that cause is Scares That Cares, a nonprofit rooted in the horror community that provides financial relief to families facing life-threatening challenges. Stephen recently used his paid day of service to represent the organization at the Mad Monster Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.

What Is Scares That Cares?

Scares That Cares is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity run entirely by volunteers. It originated from members of the horror community who wanted to turn their passion for horror films into a way of giving back. 

The purpose of the charity is both simple and powerful. Each year, Scares That Cares selects three families who are “Fighting Real Monsters.” The recipients include a burn survivor, a breast cancer warrior, and a child battling a serious illness. Each family receives a $10,000 check to help ease the financial strain of medical treatments, recovery, and ongoing support.

The charity accomplishes this mission through fundraising events, donations, and strong partnerships. What makes Scares That Cares stand out is not only its grassroots origins but also its unwavering focus on providing direct financial assistance to families in need.

Scares That Cares Partnership with Mad Monster

One of the most significant partnerships Scares That Cares has formed is with the Mad Monster Expo, a major horror convention organization that hosts events across the United States. Mad Monster named Scares That Cares its official charity partner, giving the nonprofit a booth at all of its events.

These booths provide a platform for the charity to share its mission with attendees while also raising funds by selling collectibles and donated items. This partnership ensures the charity has national visibility and consistent opportunities to raise money for the families it supports.

Board and management members of Scares That Cares volunteer to staff these events nationwide. Assignments are based on geography, allowing volunteers to cover events close to their homes.

For Stephen and his wife, who live in the Midwest, that often means attending conventions in Denver and Phoenix. Board members based on the East Coast typically handle conventions in states like Pennsylvania, New York, and the Carolinas.

Stephen’s Journey with Scares That Cares

Stephen and his wife were first introduced to Scares That Cares in 2016. Drawn to its mission, they began volunteering at more events and quickly became part of the nonprofit’s extended family. Their connection to the charity deepened in 2018 when they were married at a Scares That Cares event, with a well-known actor officiating the ceremony.

By 2024, their dedication and years of service led to an invitation to join the charity’s management staff. In this role, Stephen and his wife now travel several times a year to represent the organization, raise awareness, and connect with donors and supporters. They make sure to attend at least two to three events each year.

For Stephen, the cause is personal and meaningful. Supporting Scares That Cares allows him and his wife to combine their love of the horror community with their passion for helping others. Their involvement is not just about volunteering for a day but about long-term commitment to making a difference.

Inzo Technologies’ Commitment to Service

Inzo Technologies’ paid day of service program exists to encourage employees to engage with causes that matter to them. Stories like Stephen’s highlight the true purpose of this initiative. When employees are empowered to give back, they strengthen communities, while also building a culture of care within the company.

To learn more about Scares That Cares and how you can get involved, visit scaresthatcare.org.