by Kristen Kucharski
FEATURING RESIDENTS WHO INSPIRE THE COMMUNITY IN THEIR OWN UNIQUE WAY
Each year Glancer Magazine features a distinct group of residents who are doing extraordinary things, making a difference in the lives of others by giving them hope, guidance or inspiration. Each is so talented and has persevered through all that COVID-19 has presented this past year. Their stories will touch your heart and awaken your spirit. Here are Glancer Magazine's 15 Fascinating Faces of 2020.
Randy Witt
YORKVILLE–“Life is a journey of faith and sometimes it is hard - and even though we are in a hard season, we have to keep our faith,” says Randy Witt, Owner/Operator of Raging Waves. “I have a saying on my desk that reads, the most persistent choice you face today is to trust me (the Lord) or to worry. I work every day to trust the Lord through it all.”
Although he likens 2020 to a piñata disguised as a hornets nest, Randy credits his strong faith and deep roots to Mission Church in Bloomingdale, his 34 year marriage to his wife Dawn, his hard working children Sterling and Ally, and the amazing west suburban community for the continued success of his twenty year waterpark dream.
Not knowing if they would be able to open this past summer was extremely stressful as 2020 was expected to be a banner year for them with the addition of new attractions and more paved parking. They had invested a lot financially into park improvements and when COVID-19 hit, it felt like the rug had gotten pulled from under their feet.
“It was devastating,” Randy shares. “I would look at our managers and feel a great responsibility to figure out how to continue to provide for them. They have been so loyal and I could not let them down. Through it all I knew, God has always taken care of us, so although I was concerned, I knew He would provide a way through this season also. When we found out we would be able to open at on July 10th, it was such a blessing! We knew every day open was a gift – we did not take that for granted.”
Although operating a clean and safe 58-acre waterpark is more than a full-time job, Randy tries to decompress via long hikes with his pup Cooper, golf at local courses, short track stock car races, and dinner at Bub City in Rosemont. He feels we will all get through this together and hopes we all continue to support one another, be kind, show grace and enjoy all the ‘wins’ through tough times.
Photos by Mike Catuara
