By Paige Gurgainers

The Witches Ride of Minden is already hard at work preparing for their second annual event that will be raising money through sponsorships and ticket sales to benefit the community. This year, they have landed on two community partners – Webster Parish School Board and Webster Parish CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). 

Event organizers with Pearls of Purpose Sarah Watson Overall and Angela Fussell grew up with a mom who served many area kids as a beloved science teacher and reading specialist for more than 30 years.  

“She loved children’s books and rewarded her students with time in the reading corner of her classroom,” said Overall. “The children in her junior high classes loved the books, too. She would tell us stories about how it became the cool thing to be able to read a book from Mrs. Watson’s reading corner.” 

Growing up in their home was not much different. Reading was not an option, but it was early on that Overall realized not every child has the same exposure to children’s books as she and her sister shared. 

“I have many friends that are schoolteachers and share the same love for books. I always try to donate books to their school classrooms, as well,” she said. “The last couple of years I have seen local teachers post on social media around the holidays requesting donations for books for their students.” 

So Overall took full advantage when the opportunity presented itself to give back to local classrooms and when she approached the Witches Ride committee about donating books to school age children in the parish with funds raised through the 2024 event, it was a unanimous decision.  

“Each one of the committee members has a special story or memory for their reason why this would be a great donation of choice,” continued Overall. “We all have loved ones or dear friends that are retired teachers from Webster and Claiborne parish and many friends that are active teachers in those parishes today.” 

It is through those connections that the group has a shared awareness of the importance of reading at an early age and the need for resources in the community. Through their partnership with Webster Parish Schools, every first grader in the parish, including private schools, will receive a board approved book this Christmas season.  

A portion of the funds raised will also be donated to CASA in hopes to benefit this organization throughout the year with children’s birthday parties and gifts for local children in need this Christmas.  

“This was also a unanimous decision as we are all women who love a good celebration in life,” said Overall. “Being able to provide these children with a birthday party and a Christmas morning like that of our own children was a no brainer.” 

Ticket sales for the 2024 Witches Ride will go live on September 1. For more information on how to purchase, please follow their Facebook page ‘The Witches Ride of Minden.’ Sponsorships are also available.