A message from Pastor Dan to Local Business Owners

Hello, Neighbor!

It’s that time of year again for St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church… because the pumpkins will be here before you know it!

As you know, supporting our local food pantries has been both a passion and a top priority at St. Gregory’s for many years. By donating ALL proceeds from our annual pumpkin patch (last year it was over $15,000!), we have become the largest single donor to the West Deerfield Township Food Pantry, and a significant supporter of the Vernon Township Food Pantry. Our donation to the food pantries will come in right before the holidays, which allows even more struggling families in our community to have a plentiful and joyful holiday season!

In addition to this mission, we also are deeply committed to cultivating a greater sense of connection between our neighbors, encouraging people to shop local, and creating volunteer opportunities and partnerships within our community. For all our efforts, last year St. Gregory’s was awarded the 2025 Non-Profit of the Year by the Deerfield Bannockburn Riverwoods Chamber of Commerce!

We are excited to offer many opportunities this October for you to advertise and sell your products/services, as well as increase your visibility within the community. These opportunities come in all shapes and sizes, like connecting one-on-one with your neighbors at your own booth, donating items for a raffle, or even sponsoring a petting zoo!

All the info you need is on this page – just scroll down to see all the options! Read it through, and let us know no later than September 1 how you’d like to participate this year. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions (contact info at the bottom of the page), or to schedule a time to discuss your options in person or over Zoom – we’d love to chat with you!

St. Gregory’s looks forward to partnering with you in feeding the Deerfield area and building new connections throughout our shared community.

Pastor Dan Puchalla
Rector of St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church

Raffle Baskets

We are filling FIVE themed baskets with goodies donated from local merchants, and will sell raffle tickets through the duration of the patch!

You can sponsor an entire basket, or donate individual items. Any donation – large or small – of goods, experiences, or gift cards are welcome. And of course: ALL proceeds from raffle sales go to the food pantries! Last year we sold over 1000 tickets, which means we donated an extra $1000+!

Donors’ logos and QR codes will be displayed 24/7 at the pumpkin patch checkout to promote your business and showcase your community support and commitment to feeding the hungry. We’re happy to provide receipts for tax-deductible donations upon request. Raffle winners will be announced on Nov 1.

All donations must be received by Tuesday, September 1.

  • Kids & Family Raffle Basket – toys, games, puzzles, birthday party experiences, adventure experiences, swim classes, escape rooms, etc.

    Romantic Getaway Raffle Basket – wine tastings, concert tickets, restaurant gift cards, cocktail kits, hotel stays, etc.

    Health & Wellness Raffle Basket – gift cards for massages, fitness or yoga classes, gym memberships, workout equipment, etc.

    Beauty Raffle Basket – medspa gift cards (facials, skincare treatments, hair removal, etc), incense or candles, bath and body items, beauty supplies, etc.  

    Sports Raffle Basket – golf and sports outings, sports memorabilia, tailgating items, fishing gear, etc.

Kids & Creatures

Sun, Oct 11 | 11:30 - 2:30pm

Join us for tons of free games and activities for fun-loving folks of all ages, and your four-legged friends too. Everyone will win great prizes! We host an interactive reptile exhibit and farm animal petting zoo, carnival games for kids, free face painting, food trucks, and much more. We’ll have live entertainment and education throughout the event as well – including a dog agility demo, K9 demo, reptile education, farm animal education, and live music! You can also shop booths by local pet service providers, and meet adorable adoptable pets from local animal shelters.

    • For pet service providers: Host a booth where you can promote your business, sell your goods/services, and interact with the community directly!

    • Sponsor a petting zoo or reptile exhibit(in whole or in part) Signage advertising your business’ sponsorship will be included!

        $660: A Zoo to You (12-15 farm animals, including goats, sheep, bunnies, a mini cow, chickens) - possible add-ons include $190 pony rides for the duration, or $85 for 25lbs of feed

        $470: Cold Blooded Parties (12-14 different species of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates)

    • Sponsor a game - if you’re feeling inspired, you can create/staff your own game! If you just want to be involved, you can volunteer to run one of our existing games. Each game needs 2-4 coordinators, and we’ll have 15-20 game stations.

    • Host a pet adoption event or pet supply drive

    • Volunteer to organize & staff a table to help kids make pet-themed crafts to take home

    • Sponsor an hour-long musical set(in whole or in part) by the excellent family-friendly local musicians we hire to perform. $400 per hour, three sets available.

    • Donate kid-approved prizes for the games (our Amazon wish list)

Pumpkin Fest

Sun, Oct 18 | 11:30 - 3:30pm

A street fest at its finest! Come get your all holiday shopping done in one place from 30+ booths hosted by local businesses and organizations! You can buy kids items, home decor, pottery, fabric goods, and much more! If you bring your knives/scissors from home, you can even get all your blades sharpened! In addition, we’ll have food trucks, face-painting, interactive games, and live musical entertainment by talent local youth performers to make it an afternoon of fun for the whole family!

    • Advertise, display, and sell goods or services – we welcome all vendors: food, arts and crafts, beauty/spa, local services, etc.

      • Space is free, we just need your info via this link by Sept. 1 to reserve your space! 10x10’ spaces will be provided in our parking lot. No electricity, tables, or tents provided. Any food safety/other sales requirements are the responsibility of the vendor.

    • 10-15 volunteers to help with setup and take down, as well as to facilitate the games and activities provided by StGs

    • Sponsor an hour-long set (in whole or in part) by the excellent family-friendly local musicians we hire to perform. $400 per hour, four sets available.

Deerfield Park Foundation Trunk or Treat

Sun, Oct 25 | 11:30 - 2:00pm

What is the Deerfield Park Foundation?‍ ‍The Deerfield Park Foundation is a local non-profit dedicated to making recreational opportunities accessible to all. It offers financial assistance for programs and college scholarships, and sponsors community enrichment initiatives year-round.

What is a Trunk-or-Treat?‍ ‍Trunk-or-Treat is a spook-tacular twist on traditional trick-or-treating! Instead of going door to door, families stroll through a decorated parking lot where local businesses and participants hand out candy from their festively themed vehicles. It’s a great way to show off your creativity and promote your business! Last year we had 300+ attendees!

BONUS!‍ ‍The Trunk or Treat will happen concurrently with the Scout Troop 50’s 45th Annual Haunted House in the basement of St. Gregory’s, which has had a massive community turnout for decades!

  • Reserve your spot for $150 (all proceeds go to the Deerfield Park Foundation!). Then choose a fun theme for your vehicle, park your decorated vehicle along the Trunk-or-Treat path in the StGs parking lot, and greet the community with smiles and treats! RSVP by Sept. 1 so we can plan out our lot map.

So what happens next?

CLICK HERE

to email Kathryn & Suzann (our Community Collaboration Team)
by September 1 to let us know how you’d like to participate!

Community@StGregorysChurch.org
or call/text 801.380.8245