Our Founding Witches
Sol Alba, Theresa Berkey, Catherine Caccavello, Maria Comolli, Barb Delaney (Co-Chair), Dante Dibarolo, Judy Erwin (Founder/Co-Chair), Mary Lou Gast, Roxane Geraci-Militello, Lauren McFarland, Kathy Mihelich (Founder/Co-Chair), Nathan Mihelich, Palma Mihelich, Alexis (Mihelich) O'Brien, Jackie O'Hara, Corine Ventura
WHO WE ARE
The Witches Night Out Joliet committee is comprised of 30+ working and retired professional women from all walks of life who want to make a difference for women who are in need of assistance. Net proceeds from the Witches Night Out Joliet Joliet event go to Will County 501(c)(3) Recipient Agencies serving area women and children. The Recipient Agencies selected to receive Witches Night Out Joliet funds provide vital support and services to help women secure their independence, regain their dignity, and become self-sufficient.
THE "HERSTORY" OF WITCHES
In 2009, longtime friends Kathy Mihelich and Judy Erwin took a road trip through Southern Illinois to visit a Halloween-themed shopping fair. What started as a fun getaway to support small businesses and enjoy each other’s company sparked a bigger idea: create a magical, affordable event to raise money for local social service organizations that help women and children.
By 2010, that idea became Witches Night Out, a costume-filled evening of shopping, mystics, and fun hosted at the Joliet Renaissance Center. Over 600 attendees joined that first year, raising $14,000 for local causes.
As the event grew, Kathy founded Events for a Cause, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, in 2016. Judy curated vendors and artisans, while Kathy led planning and community partnerships. The committee expanded from 16 to over 40 members, including volunteers from five partner agencies.
In 2018, a second night was added due to popular demand, with more than 3,000 witches, sponsors, and volunteers joining the festivities. By 2023, Witches Night Out had raised over $937,000—all to support the wellbeing of women and children in the community. What began as a simple girls’ trip became a spellbinding tradition that continues to enchant year after year.
