Skokie Couple Received Common Good Recognition Award

Chris Gattorna and Amanda Bird were honored for their charitable Halloween display known as Jack's Hollow.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Philanthropy

Skokie Couple Received Common Good Recognition Award

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Chris Gattorna and Amanda Bird have become the first recipients of the Skokie Common Good Recognition Program. The award honors their long-running Halloween display, which they have used to collect pet food donations since 2021.

Why it matters

The village established this new program to spotlight residents who contribute to the community through consistent acts of service and kindness. The couple supports the local animal shelter after adopting their own dog from the organization.

The couple began their Halloween display in 2015 and transitioned to collecting donations for the Community Animal Rescue Effort in 2021. Their seasonal attraction, Jack's Hollow, features elements like 10-foot-tall monster decorations.

The players

Chris Gattorna

He is a Skokie resident who creates the Jack's Hollow Halloween display alongside his partner.

Amanda Bird

She is a Skokie resident who co-created the Jack's Hollow display and coordinates charitable donations for local animals.

Community Animal Rescue Effort

This is the local animal shelter that receives pet food donations from the couple's charitable Halloween efforts.

The details

Gattorna and Bird construct their display using PVC pipes, skeletons, tombstones, and various mechanical figures. A neighbor nominated the pair for the village honor, which recognizes their efforts in donating dozens of packages of pet food to local shelters.

The couple started their Halloween display in 2015.
The house was added to a local map in 2021.
Setup for the display typically begins in early September.

Market Landscape

This recognition program reflects a broader trend of municipalities formalizing efforts to reward local volunteerism and neighborhood-level community building. It positions the village as a leader in fostering resident engagement through public acknowledgment of grassroots service.

Residents of Skokie can nominate their neighbors for future iterations of the recognition program. Those interested in supporting the cause can contribute pet food items similar to the donations gathered by the couple at their display.

The takeaway

Volunteering can take creative forms that bring neighbors together while supporting local causes. Residents looking to give back should consider how their unique seasonal traditions might serve a broader charitable purpose.