WonderCon 2026: LA Ghostbusters Bring Smiles to Kids through Starlight Children’s Foundation

At WonderCon 2026, we caught up with the LA Ghostbusters—a fan group proving that cosplay can do far more than entertain. Founded in 2021 with just 11 members, the group has grown to over 35 passionate fans dedicated not only to celebrating Ghostbusters, but to building a supportive community rooted in giving back. When they’re not “busting ghosts,” they’re showing up at conventions and events to raise funds for meaningful causes, turning their love of fandom into real-world impact.

That impact is undeniable. Through their ongoing partnership with the Starlight Children’s Foundation, the LA Ghostbusters have raised over $100,000 since their founding. Those funds help provide toys, games, and even custom Ghostbusters-themed hospital gowns to children facing serious illnesses. But it’s their hospital visits that leave the biggest impression—walking into rooms filled with wires and worry, only to see kids light up as they’re inducted as honorary Ghostbusters cadets. In those moments, the group delivers something priceless: joy, distraction, and a chance for kids to just be kids again.

Their efforts have even caught the attention of the filmmakers themselves. After meeting Jason Reitman, the movement helped inspire the nationwide “Ghostbusters Give Back” campaign, uniting fan groups across the globe to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for Starlight. What started as small convention fundraisers—once just a few hundred dollars—has grown into a powerful force within fandom, with initiatives like “Fandom With Purpose” raising millions. As the LA Ghostbusters continue their mission (and maybe even a friendly coast-to-coast fundraising rivalry), they remind us all that with enough heart, fandom can truly change lives.

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