The basement of the Chicago Ridge Village Hall turned into a spooky, laughter-filled haunted trail Saturday evening as Jon’s Way Youth Group hosted its annual Halloween celebration for the local neighborhood.
The event, held Oct. 25 at 10445 Ridgeland Ave., brought together about 60 young participants for an evening filled with creativity, candy, and community spirit.
From the moment kids arrived, there was plenty to see and do.
The Village’s Trunk or Treat lined the parking lot with decorated cars, while the Chicago Ridge Library helped young artists craft Halloween magic at a pumpkin-decorating station. Downstairs, the Jon’s Way Haunted Trail delivered thrills and laughter as volunteers transformed the basement into a spooky maze.
“The Village of Chicago Ridge had some great surprises in their trunk or treat area and provided pumpkins and candy bags,” said Karrie Grabinski, director of Jon’s Way Youth Group. “Everyone from the Police and Fire Departments to EMA and Public Works took part. It really brought the whole community together.”
Jon’s Way Youth Group was founded by Roger and Karrie Grabinski after their son, Jon, tragically died in a car accident on March 5, 2016, at the age of 17.
Jon’s caring heart, humor, and adventurous spirit inspired the Grabinskis to create a lasting legacy in his name, one that continued to uplift young people and strengthen the community he loved.
The nonprofit organization, which included more than 30 teens and young adults, offered members the chance to volunteer, connect with peers, and participate in healthy, positive activities. The Haunted Trail served as one of the group’s most anticipated projects each year, combining creativity, teamwork, and service.
“I loved all the excitement this event brought with the preteens and teens,” Karrie said. “Once they started decorating, their confidence and imagination soared—it was amazing to see.”
Karrie said the Halloween celebration captured the heart of what Jon’s Way represented: community, creativity, and compassion.
“This event gave the kids a safe place to use their imagination, have fun with their friends, and give back to their community,” she said. “That’s what Jon was all about—being there for others and finding joy in simple, creative moments.”
As the night ended and the last candy bags were handed out, laughter filled Village Hall, a reminder that Jon’s Way continued to make a difference in the lives of Chicago Ridge youth, just the way Jon would have wanted.
