Tinley Lights Display Glows, Benefits Cause Close To Creator's Heart

TINLEY PARK, IL — A Tinley Park man and 2021 winner of the Great Chicago Light Fight is hoping people won't forget his display this year, though this year's winner is just down the street.

They're all in this holiday light thing for the right (and same) reasons—to bring joy to visitors, and raise money for specific causes.

Scott O'Connor has gone all-out decorating his home at 7414 162nd Pl. for nine years, a labor of love that even dates back to time spent decorating his parents' home. The home he shares with wife Paige glows with 100,000 lights, 86 blow-ups, and good intentions—O'Connor is collecting for a local nonprofit whose cause he holds close to his heart.

Donations benefit Project Fire Buddies, a volunteer-led effort by local fire departments to show support for children battling critical illness. Started in Oak Forest in 2016, the group's momentum continues to grow, now with 82 chapters in four states.

O'Connor remembers what it's like to be a father with children fighting for their lives. Years ago, daughter Isabella and son Tyler died just days after their births. His 1-year-old daughter has also undergone three cardiac surgeries, he added. O'Connor understands the stress and grief of illness on a family.

"I know how hard it is—that’s why I’m doing Project Fire Buddies," he said. "Fire Buddies help out with cases like that, so I know the struggle."

Project Fire Buddies CEO Kurt DeGroot said they're honored to be O'Connor's chosen recipient.

"When people put their hard work and heart into making magical Christmas displays, it's a true labor of love," he said. "They put in many hours to make sure to bring smiles, wonder, and joy to others.

"When a family goes above and beyond AND spread that love and kindness for local kids battling critical illnesses, it defines the true meaning of Christmas. Project Fire Buddies has been blessed by the O'Connor family this Christmas. We hope the O'Connor family enjoys a well-deserved, blessed Christmas and Happy New Year."

O'Connor begins single-handedly erecting his display in the middle of October, and flips the switch to turn it on Thanksgiving Day. The display includes Disney classics such as Mickey, Minnie, and so much more.

He gets so much joy out of sharing it with visitors.

"The smiles on people’s faces," he said, about what he finds rewarding. "We’ve been having a crazy year, the last couple of years."

O'Connor knows his display might be overshadowed by the Hirsch house, this year's winner of ABC7's light contest, but he hopes people will still stop by to see his. He's concerned he won't raise as much for charity this year, he said, and he doesn't want to let them down. He empathizes with the families taken under the wing of Project Fire Buddies.

"I really understand the stress," he said, "because I’ve been there."

Tinley Park's most well-known lights displays—the Hirsch Family Lights, Tinley Christmas House, the Esposito house and the Schaaf house—might all seem as though they're vying against each other, but there's a camaraderie between the creators, O'Connor said.

"I give him ideas, he gives me ideas," he said of Chris Hirsch. "We work together. I actually helped Chris when he blew out his shoulder."

O'Connor has two dropboxes at his display for donations, as well as a Venmo QR code for scanning.

His display is on daily from 5 to 10 p.m. It will be on all day and night, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

"It'll be expensive, but yeah," he said.

His electric bill the duration of his display runs about $400, he said.

"It's not really that bad," he said.

O'Connor said he plans to completely reinvent the display next year.

"I want to do all-new next year," he said. "I’m going to be all organized....

"I've got a lot of planning to do."

O'Connor's home is located at 7414 162nd Pl., Tinley Park. Hours for viewing are 5 to 10 p.m. daily; Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, display will be on 24 hours.