The "Well Meaning Witch of Oz" is a character from L. Frank Baum's famous novel "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." This witch, also known as Glinda the Good, is portrayed as a kind and benevolent figure in the story. Glinda is the ruler of the Quadling Country in the southern part of the land of Oz. She is introduced as a powerful sorceress who is highly respected and admired by the locals. Despite her formidable magical abilities, Glinda is also praised for her gentle nature and her desire to help others.
Joliet’s Witches Night Out conjured up funds to help Will County agencies
Witches Night Out is grassroots, two-day ladies night out event in October at the Jacob Henry Mansion in Joliet that benefits nonprofits that serve woman and children. Thousands of attendees come out in elaborate witch costumes to mingle for a spell, enjoy witchy foods and drinks, shop from 30 vendors, visit any one of 10 mystics onsite and just wand-er around. (Photo provided by Events for a Cause)
October 29, 2023 at 6:00 pm CDT
Organizers of Joliet’s annual Witches Night Out fundraiser are confident that 2023 was their best year yet.
And that’s just not witchful thinking.
Witches Night Out is a grassroots, two-day ladies-night-out event in October at the Jacob Henry Mansion in Joliet that benefits local nonprofits serving woman and children.
Thousands of attendees come out in elaborate witch costumes to mingle for a spell, enjoy witchy foods and drinks, shop from 30 vendors, visit any one of 10 mystics on-site and just “wand-er” around.
This year’s event was Oct. 11 and 12.
In 2022, Witches Night Out raised more than $160,000 for six local agencies. Although final numbers are not yet calculated, it appears the 2023 event was even more successful than last year.
Theresa Berkey of New Lenox is a member of the board of directors for Events for a Cause LLC, a 501(c)(3) organization that oversees Witches Night Out.
“They can use the money we give them for whatever they need,” Berkey said. “It’s not earmarked money. . The goal is always to raise as much as we can.”
The 2022 recipients were CASA of River Valley, Guardian Angel Community Services in Joliet, Will County Habitat for Humanity, Morningstar Mission in Joliet, Stepping Stones Treatment Center and Wilmington Coalition for a Healthy Community.
The same agencies will receive funds from the 2023 event, too, along with Ready, Set, Ride Therapeutic Recreation Facility in Plainfield, Berkey said.
Toni Muren of Joliet, who also is a member of Events for Cause’s board of directors, said a committee of about 30 to 35 women organize the actual Witches Night Out fundraiser. Representatives from the recipient agencies also volunteer behind the scenes and at the event, she said.
“They get so grateful for the people that walk in and thank them,” Muren said. “They thank them for coming because it means as much to them as it means to us.”
Because not everyone in the community is aware of how these organizations specifically help people, Muren said she created a video series before the event to showcase their influence.
“Not every person understands how important their tickets – and raffle tickets and souvenir photos – mean to the recipient agencies,” Muren said. “It’s amazing what they do. We’re just a little fly on the wall compared to what they do. We just want to help them out.”
Despite her formidable magical abilities, Glinda is also praised for her gentle nature and her desire to help others. Throughout the story, Glinda serves as a guide and mentor to Dorothy, the main protagonist. She provides Dorothy with crucial information and advice to help her on her journey to reach the Emerald City and find her way back home.
Ladies night out with a purpose
The first Witches Night Out was held in 2010 at the Renaissance Center in Joliet. Former Joliet resident Kathy Mihelich and Judy Erwin of Plainfield founded the event. They modeled it after a ladies night out counterpart they’d seen in another town and added an affordable fundraising component.
Tickets for Witches Night Out in 2012 were $15, and the event raised $18,000. Tickets for the 2023 event were $40 – which included parking, a shuttle and door prize ticket – so it’s still very affordable, Berkey said.
Tickets remain coveted.
Joliet’s Witches Night Out conjured up funds to help Will County agencies
Witches Night Out is a grassroots, two-day ladies-night-out event in October. In 2022, Witches Night Out raised more than $160,000 for six local agencies. Tickets for the 2023 event were $40 which included parking, a shuttle and door prize ticket.
Share menuGlinda also plays a pivotal role in resolving conflicts and ensuring justice in the land of Oz. One of Glinda's most significant actions is her revelation of the power of the silver shoes to Dorothy. She explains to Dorothy that with the magic shoes, she can easily return home to Kansas. Glinda's intention is to empower Dorothy and ensure her safety on her quest. Glinda's kind and compassionate nature shine through her interactions with other characters as well. For instance, she shows mercy and forgiveness towards the Wicked Witch of the West, who had previously caused chaos and harm in Oz. Rather than seeking revenge, Glinda helps Dorothy eliminate the wicked witch and liberate the people of the Emerald City from her tyranny. The character of the Well Meaning Witch of Oz represents the importance of empathy, kindness, and the willingness to help others. Glinda's actions reflect her genuine concern for the well-being of those around her. Her selflessness and wisdom make her an inspiring character that teaches valuable lessons about the power of goodness. In conclusion, the "Well Meaning Witch of Oz" or Glinda the Good is a central character in "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." Her kind nature, powerful magic, and dedication to helping others make her an essential figure in the story. Glinda's actions and guidance propel Dorothy towards her goal of returning home, and her commitment to justice and mercy is a lesson for all readers..
Reviews for "The Well Meaning Witch's Legacy in Ozian Culture and Folklore"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Well Meaning Witch of Oz" as a fan of the original story, but I was sorely disappointed. The plot was slow and predictable, lacking any exciting twists or turns. The characters felt flat and one-dimensional, making it difficult to emotionally invest in their journey. Overall, the book failed to capture the captivating magic and charm of the original "Wizard of Oz" and left me feeling underwhelmed.
2. Laura - 1/5 stars - As a huge fan of fantasy novels, "Well Meaning Witch of Oz" fell short of my expectations. The writing style was lackluster and the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. The world-building was minimal, leaving me with little sense of the fantastical world the author was trying to create. Additionally, the protagonist was unrelatable and didn't undergo any significant character development. I found myself struggling to finish the book and ultimately left unsatisfied.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - "Well Meaning Witch of Oz" had all the ingredients to be a captivating read, but it fell flat in execution. The pacing was inconsistent, with some chapters dragging on while others felt rushed and abrupt. The author attempted to introduce new elements to the original Oz story, but they felt disjointed and poorly integrated. The lack of depth in the world-building and character development left me feeling disconnected from the story and unable to fully immerse myself in the narrative.
4. Mark - 2/5 stars - I was eager to experience a fresh take on the beloved world of Oz, but "Well Meaning Witch of Oz" failed to deliver. The writing was mediocre, with cliché descriptions and dialogue that lacked depth. The plot lacked substance and the conflicts within the story were resolved too quickly and conveniently. I found myself skimming through the pages, waiting for something that would capture my attention, but it never came. Overall, it was a disappointing read that didn't live up to its potential.