Skokie Residents Honored for Charitable Holiday Display
Local business owners and operators can learn how small-scale neighborhood initiatives drive community engagement.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Philanthropy
Live Poll
Do you believe individual acts of kindness significantly improve the quality of life in your community?
Skokie residents Chris Gattorna and Amanda Bird were named the inaugural recipients of the Skokie Common Good Recognition Program. The pair earned the honor for their elaborate Halloween display, Jack's Hollow, which has collected donations for a local animal shelter since 2021.
Why it matters
The village created this new recognition program to highlight individuals who leverage personal projects for community service. It demonstrates how consistent, niche initiatives can evolve from personal hobbies into effective channels for local philanthropy.
The couple has supported the Community Animal Rescue Effort with dozens of pet food packages since 2021. The program recognized this work as the first of its kind in the village's history.
The players
Chris Gattorna
A Skokie resident and inaugural recipient of the village's Common Good Recognition Program for charitable service.
Amanda Bird
A Skokie resident and inaugural recipient of the village's Common Good Recognition Program for charitable service.
The details
The couple maintains Jack's Hollow, an elaborate Halloween display featuring PVC pipes, mechanical figures, and tombstones. They began the project in 2015 and later connected the attraction to the Community Animal Rescue Effort after adopting their dog from the organization. The effort is managed through a neighborhood map and public outreach, turning a private residence into a charitable hub.
Timeline
2015: The Halloween display began modestly at the residence.
2021: The couple began collecting donations for the Community Animal Rescue Effort.
Early September: Setup typically begins for the annual display.
Market Landscape
The Skokie Common Good Recognition Program establishes a formal framework for the village to codify informal community contributions. This signals a trend where municipalities seek to amplify local grassroots efforts to improve civic engagement.
Operators can evaluate whether integrating charitable components into public-facing business operations could deepen local ties. Consider how your existing community presence might be formalized or expanded to meet broader social goals.
The takeaway
Recognizing the impact of personal projects can serve as a template for business community outreach. Keep a record of donations and community interactions if you intend to participate in local recognition or service awards.
Further reading
Learn more about local community impact efforts in Philanthropy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Record.
Live Poll
Do you believe individual acts of kindness significantly improve the quality of life in your community?
