Northbrook's Covenant Living Facility Planning For Holly Fair's Return

NORTHBROOK, IL — For the past two years, the residents of Covenant Living of Northbrook have gone without a seasonal favorite activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions that came with it.

But as restrictions and guidelines have loosened around Illinois and at assisted living and retirement communities, events are again being scheduled including Covenant Living’s Holly Fair. The annual resident-run event offers local residents and shoppers a chance to begin their holiday gift selection early.

Holly Fair will be held on Saturday, Nov. 5, when Covenant Living will become a place for countless gift ideas and holiday decorations. Other items will include woodcrafts, jewelry, artwork that has been created by the community’s residents, collectibles, jewelry, and other Scandinavian treasures.

The event is open to the public and will run from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Nov. 5 at the facility’s Town Center.

“We have dozens of volunteers here at Covenant Living putting in countless hours to help in making Holly Fair happen—from creating items for sale throughout the year to the logistics of running the event itself,” Joan Bodel, the Holly Fair co-chair said in a news release. “While all of the residents here at Covenant Living have varied interests, Holly Fair is one event that brings so many people together for one common cause.”

Proceeds from Holly Fair will go toward providing educational grants to local high school students who work in Covenant Living’s dining facilities. Funding for the grants comes from Holly Fair proceeds, resident donations, and from Covenant Living of Northbrook administration.

This summer 14 students each received $1,500 in tuition assistance toward their college education. A portion of the proceeds is also given to the Northbrook Police and Fire departments, Northbrook Library, and the Northfield Township Food Pantry.

“Giving back to the community is part of our culture here and creating and selling these items during Holly Fair is one way we’re able to do this,” Ilse Wilnewic, Holly Fair co-chair said.