Witches Paddle Raises Awareness for Child Welfare
Hundreds of costumed participants joined the sixth annual event in Bend's Old Mill District to support MountainStar Family Relief Nursery.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Philanthropy
Hundreds of costumed participants gathered in the Old Mill District on Saturday for the sixth annual Witches Paddle, held despite rain and cold weather. The event raised awareness for MountainStar Family Relief Nursery, and streets in the Old Mill and Riverbend Park were packed with participants.
Why it matters
The event draws community attention to MountainStar Family Relief Nursery, whose mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect across Central Oregon. It was held in light of the Oct. 15 Silver Rail school shooting.
The sixth annual Witches Paddle marked six years of the event's tradition in the Old Mill District. No attendance total, donation amount, or fundraising figure was reported, so the event's financial reach remains unquantified.
The players
MountainStar Family Relief Nursery
A Central Oregon nonprofit whose mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect across the region.
The details
Participants wore costumes and took part in the Halloween tradition despite rain and cold. Visitors were encouraged to donate diapers, wipes, and other essential items to the nonprofit.
Timeline
Oct. 15: Silver Rail school shooting occurred, prompting the event's context.
Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026: Sixth annual Witches Paddle held in the Old Mill District.
Philanthropy Landscape
The Witches Paddle extends MountainStar Family Relief Nursery's regional child-abuse prevention mission by using a public Halloween gathering to build awareness across Central Oregon. Its sixth year suggests the event has become a recurring fixture for the nonprofit's community outreach.
Residents can support local child welfare efforts by donating diapers, wipes, and other essential items to MountainStar Family Relief Nursery. Participation in community events like the Witches Paddle offers a direct way to engage with the nonprofit's regional work.
The takeaway
Supporting local nonprofits can be as simple as donating essential household items such as diapers and wipes to organizations working on child welfare in your own community.
Further reading
Explore more in Philanthropy coverage across Bend and Central Oregon.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Bulletin.
