It all started with a few friends looking for a project. Wanting to blend their experience in project management, communications, and nonprofits, they created an event that utilizes their skills, and creates a fun event for the community. The Western Springs Witches Ride is a charity bike parade through the streets of town, followed by a Witching Hour after party to celebrate the season, community, and charity.

It is not the first event of its kind, but Suzanne Reicher, Casey Sparks, and Jillian Altenau were the first to bring it to Western Springs. They added a key component to the event – charitable giving. “We wanted a fun night out, but also wanted to do something great while bringing people in our community together.” Over the last 2 years, these ladies have raised more than $20,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana (RMHC-CNI).

It was important for Casey, Jillian, and Suzanne to find a cause that would help children. “At Halloween, it is easy to focus on costumes, parties and candy, but there are families really struggling and kids fighting monsters of their own. Western Springs is notoriously generous, and we love that about our town.” Providing a much-needed night out for many women in the neighborhood, while also offering an opportunity to give back, quickly became a recipe for success. The ride keeps growing in numbers, neighborhoods, and donations.

In addition to RMHC-CNI, 2023’s donations will be split evenly with the Little Heroes League, a nonprofit that focusses on providing care coordination for families of medically complex babies in NICUs. “The goals of both organizations are totally aligned. They even support some of the same families. Bringing awareness to both amazing nonprofits will help even more kids and families.”

The 3rd Annual Western Springs Witches Ride will be on October 14, 2023, at 4pm. There will be so many new and exciting elements to this year’s event. The route will now include streets in Old Town, Field Park, and Forest Hills, with a bonus of riding by all D101 elementary schools.

There are many ways to participate and get involved!  You can ride, donate, or even volunteer.  Please contact us at [email protected] to find the best fit for you!