Tinley Park's 'Christmas House' Raises Nearly $30,000 For Charity

TINLEY PARK, IL — He's made his list, checked it twice, and the final tally is an impressive number.

Tinley Park's Dominic Kowalczyk's dazzling, twinkling, 200,000-light Christmas display on Avon Lane drummed up a staggering $28,000 in donations this year, benefitting local nonprofit, social services agency Together We Cope.

Kowalczyk announced the total on social media Monday.

"We’re extremely excited to have collected almost $28,000 for Together We Cope this season," he shared. "A huge thanks to all of our friends and family who help put this massive display on."

Kowalczyk is known around the Southland for his massive display, which he estimates he has thrown hundreds of thousands of dollars into, growing it in size and splendor every year in one way or another.

Each year, work on the Christmas House begins around Halloween and gradually builds thanks to the work of a crew of between 70 and 80 people who contribute to the Christmas House’s creation. By the time the Christmas House takes shape, more than 200,000 lights will have been installed, 300 to 400 figurines will have been put into place, and lights will have been programmed through 15 different controllers that synchronized with the music that accompanies the whole display, Patch previously reported.

Kowalczyk accepts donations from visitors, with funds raised going to Together We Cope, a vital social services agency in Tinley Park that suffered a devastating fire in November. The agency has been struggling to reopen amidst necessary repairs and funding issues.

"To everyone who donated this year we'd like to give a massive shoutout," Kowalczyk wrote on social media. "Whether you dropped $1 or $3,000 in our donation box it will make an impact."

With over 200 volunteers, community donations of food, clothing and household goods, and groceries purchased from the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Together We Cope typically serves more than 1,500 families each month. Their services reach 27 communities, including Alsip, Blue Island, Bridgeview, Chicago Ridge, Country Club Hills, Crestwood, Evergreen Park, Garden Homes, Harvey, Hazel Crest, Hickory Hills, Hometown, Homewood, Markham, Merrionette Park, Midlothian, Oak Forest, Oak Lawn, Orland Hills, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Palos Park, Posen, Robbins, Tinley Park and Worth.

"Together We Cope is an amazing organization and this money will be put to a great use in helping families like yours or mine in times of need," Kowalczyk wrote. "We hope to continue to grow our relationship together for years to come. ... See you in nine months!"

To date, the display has raised $165,000 for the agency, he added.