'Truly On Another Level': Tinley Family's Halloween Haunt Set To Thrill, Support Beloved Charity

TINLEY PARK, IL — A Tinley Park family with a flair for scare is putting their time and talents to good use, with a yard display designed to thrill—and raise funds for a cause close to their heart.

Keith Latek and wife Shannan Sisk, along with sons Dylan, Jacob, and Sean, will spend an estimated 100 hours prepping their "The Psycho Path at Nightmare on Ridgefield Lane," to give guests a big scare for a good cause. The walk-through haunt is designed by Midlothian firefighter Keith, with much of it hand-crafted by he and his sons in their family's garage.

Pulling together the display that spans the length of three football fields is no small feat. It takes man-hours, creativity and grit to get it done—and it's all worth it, Latek said.

"We’ve gotten so big now, we have a line," he chuckled.

The experience at 7435 Ridgefield Lane in Tinley Park is free, but donations to local nonprofit Project Fire Buddies are accepted and encouraged. QR codes are available on-site to simplify donating. Two dates are set: Sunday, Oct. 12 and Saturday, Oct. 18, from 6 to 10 p.m. both nights. All money donated goes directly to the local org Latek said.

Started in 2016, Project Fire Buddies engages volunteers from local fire departments to rally around children battling critical illness and their families. The organization partners with local chapters to bring comfort, fun, support and companionship to their "fire buddies." The now not-so-small and very mighty organization has expanded to 160 chapters in 12 states. The nonprofit's 1,200+ volunteers have impacted more than 750 children, with $2.8 million gifted to support and uplift families, according to its website.

It's a cause that Latek grew to know personally, when the Midlothian Fire Department became a Project Fire Buddies chapter.

"As soon as I joined, I fell in love with them," Latek said.

Latek and Sisk have been decorating their home for Christmas for 25 years, so the Halloween haunt, he said, seemed like a natural progression. Using it as an opportunity to promote and support Project Fir

e Buddies also seemed like a given—a Project Fire Buddies fire engine will even pull up for the event.

The family-friendly event ties in sweet treats from The Creamery—hot chocolate and ice cream—and sales of Project Fire Buddies swag in an effort to raise funds for the beloved nonprofit. Now entering its fourth year, the display has raised a collective $15,000 to-date, he said. A portion of sales from The Creamery will also be donated to Project Fire Buddies.

The event has gotten so popular, it takes Latek to run the show.

"I’m the MC of it," he noted. "It’s gotten so big, I have to manage it."

The display pulls in help from his sons, neighbors and nephews as the "un-dead actors," he said. Other helpers include Jack, Joey, Josh, Cole and Camryn—those so essential to it that he couldn't leave out their names. The actors can receive community service hours in exchange for their participation, Latek said.

The front half of the display is family-friendly, he said, also with shortcuts along the path if younger visitors want to skip the scary parts, Latek said. Attendees can expect jump-scares throughout.

Latek enjoys taking in people's reactions to his "show." He finds himself circulating among the crowd, welcoming them to the display and taking it all in.

"It’s so big," Latek said. "It’s so fun. I’m a people person, I like to get out there."

Latek said they've seen the event double in size and donations each year.

"That’s what keeps me going," he said.

The family also plans to host a "Winter Wonderland" walk-thru display for the holiday season, Latek said. It, too, will be a fundraiser for Project Fire Buddies. Follow them on social media for the latest updates.

Project Fire Buddies CEO Kurt DeGroot described the Latek family's effort as "truly on another level.

"From the very beginning, Keith has shown incredible passion for helping others, and he’s made it a true family effort," DeGroot told Patch. "His wife, kids, and extended family all come together for Project Fire Buddies through this amazing display. Beyond the decorations, Keith organizes swag tables and even brings in the Creamery—run by his brothers-in-law Brandon and Jordan Sisk—to raise funds while serving delicious treats.

"Keith and his wife have raised their kids with the value of helping other kids, and that ripple effect can be felt throughout their family and the community. He doesn’t just say ‘yes’ at the firehouse for the Fire Buddies in his own chapter—he lives it every day, even off duty. Project Fire Buddies is a lifestyle, one rooted in helping the most vulnerable in our communities and building family along the way. My family and I look forward every year to Keith’s Halloween and Christmas displays. They’re not only festive, they’re a beautiful act of kindness that brings people together."

Lights by the Lateks presents "The Psycho Path At Nightmare On Ridgefield Lane":

• Sunday, Oct. 12
• Saturday, Oct. 18
• 7435 Ridgefield Lane, Tinley Park
• 6 to 10 p.m.

Lights are on daily from 6 to 9 p.m.