New Lenox Family's Haunted Trail Draws Nearly 2,000 For Scares, Raises $6,000 For Local Charities

NEW LENOX, IL — A New Lenox family's haunted woods attracted more than 1,500 visitors over two nights and raised $6,000 for local causes the last weekend, the organizer told Patch.

Brian and Mary Malpeli's Haunted Trail on Canterbury Court had a little bit of everything—creepy clowns, maniacal lumberjacks with chainsaws, camouflaged wood-lurkers, zombie twins, and so much more—as a thrill for all those who dared set foot on the property.

Just wrapping its eighth year, it's a labor of love for Brian and Mary Malpeli, who don't charge for entry but encourage donations to local causes of their choosing. Selected as recipients this year were NAWS Humane Society of Mokena and Sojourn Therapeutic Riding Center of Frankfort.

With 670-plus attendees the first night and 1,000 the second, the husband-wife duo with their 60 volunteer "scarers" inspired $6,100 in donations, Brian Malpeli told Patch. Specific items needed by NAWS were also donated, Mary Malpeli said.

Each charity will receive $2,500, with $1,000 being funneled into the care for a former NAWS cat in dire medical condition, Malpeli said. Brian and Mary also make a separate donation to the Make A Wish Foundation.

"Every year we say it is going to be the last haunted trail," Mary Malpeli shared on social media. "Every year we are reminded why we do it when we see all of the smiles, laughter and community.

" It is so easy to get caught up in all of the garbage in the world and lose sight of just good clean fun. For us raising money for charity, while it’s nice, is secondary as we want everyone to see not everything is about money. Sometimes it’s just about putting good energy into the world!"

The haunted trail had its start in 2017, when Brian and Mary Malpeli's kids were younger and the family had just moved to New Lenox. It's grown in scope and audience in the years since—Brian's vision executed with the help of friends, neighbors, and other willing contributors. Local school students volunteer their time to help bring the scary fun and excitement to life, adding energy and community spirit to the trail.

The Malpelis thanked their 60 student volunteers, makeup artists who gave their all to giving everyone a good scare, as well as family and neighbors who helped it run smoothly.

Mary Malpeli also made sure to acknowledge the man behind it all.

"My husband puts so much work into the trail throughout the year and is always trying to improve what he can," she said, "so, special thank you to him for all his hard work in bringing the community together for a fun charity event!"

NAWS Shelter Director Victoria Swyndroski was thrilled to be selected as a beneficiary of funds from the event—and even brought some dogs from the shelter to meet the crowd.

"It means the absolute world to us," she said. "The money raised will help us continue to fundraise for our animals in need of medical care. NAWS could not save the lives we do on a daily basis without the support of our community and amazing people like the Malpeli’s! We can’t thank them enough!

"They do such an incredible job on the trail every year. You can tell how much time, effort and dedication is put into it. Seeing the community come together to support the animals is truly amazing. Between Saturday and Sunday night, we were able to get the word out about NAWS to hundreds of people and even gain some interest on our adoptable dogs. Our staff and volunteers had a great time!"

Both charities have ongoing fundraising and donation needs. Find future fundraising events on Sojourn Therapeutic Riding Center's Facebook page, learn more information about the services they provide on their website. Their wishlist also always includes paper towels, hand soap, toilet paper, window cleaner. Specific items include horse riding helmets and riding safety vests.

Learn more about NAWS on their website. Their needed items include clumping litter, Purina One dry/wet food for cat/kitten or puppies, bleach, paper towels and laundry detergent. They also have an Amazon wishlist.