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 for many years. By donating ALL proceeds from our annual pumpkin patch (last year it was over $8000!), we have become the largest single donor to the West Deerfield Township Food Pantry, and a significant supporter of the Vernon Township Food Pantry as well. Since it’s coming in right before the holidays, our donation to the food pantries 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, to encouraging people to shop local, and to creating partnerships within our community.

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 the community 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 then let us know no later than September 19 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 counting you as our partner 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

Generous gift baskets will be filled with goodies donated from local merchants, and then we’ll sell raffle tickets in the patch throughout October. Any donation – large or small – of goods, experiences, or gift cards are welcome. Really, the sky’s the limit! We’ll create basket themes according to the items we receive. Baskets will be raffled off on November 1. All donations must be received by September 19!

And remember: ALL proceeds from raffle ticket sales go straight to the food pantries. Last year we sold over 1000 tickets, which meant we donated an extra $1000+!

Donors’ business names, logos, and QR codes will be displayed on a poster at the pumpkin patch checkout table to further promote your establishment and showcase your community support. We’re happy to provide receipts for tax-deductible donations upon request.

  • kid-friendly items – toys, games, puzzles, adventure experiences like escape rooms, etc.

    adult-focused items – wine tastings, concert tickets, restaurant gift cards, cocktail kits, etc.

    pet-focused items – special treats or toys, leashes or harnesses, gift cards for grooming, etc.

    beauty-focused items – gift cards for massages or facials, incense or candles, bath and body items, beauty supplies, etc.  

    sport-focused items – signed sports memorabilia or collectibles, professional sports team tickets, etc.

Paws in the Patch

Sunday, October 5 | 11:30 - 1:30pm

NEW THIS YEAR! Paws in the Patch will be an animal-focused event with many activities for pets and humans alike! We’ll have a petting zoo, booths for pet service providers, a pet costume contest, food trucks, and more.

    • 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(in whole or in part)– prices include services for one hour and transport. Signage advertising your business’ sponsorship will be included!

      • $500: A Zoo to You (12-15 farm animals, including goats, sheep, bunnies, a mini cow, chickens)

      • $375: Cold Blooded Parties (12-14 different species of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates)

    • Donate animal-themed prizes of your choosing for the pet costume contest (treats, collars, leashes, chew toys, grooming coupons, etc)

    • Host a pet adoption event

    • Organize and staff a table to help kids make pet-themed crafts to take home

Fun Fair

Sunday, October 12 | 11:30 - 1:30pm

We offer tons of free games for fun-loving folks of all ages, with plenty of prizes to win! Other activities include a pumpkin decorating and carving station, Halloween-themed scavenger hunt, obstacle course, face-painting, and more! We’ll also have at least two food trucks in attendance, so the fun doesn’t have to stop for lunch!

    • 12-20 volunteers to facilitate games and hand out prizes for the activities provided by StGs for the Fun Fair

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

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

Pumpkin Fest

Sunday, October 19 | 11:30 - 3:30pm

A street fest at its finest! Connect with the community one-on-one while they get their holiday shopping done early. In addition, we’ll have food trucks, face-painting, interactive games, and live musical entertainment 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. 19 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, three sets available.

Deerfield Park Foundation Trunk or Treat

Sunday, October 26 | 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 250+ attendees!

BONUS! The Trunk or Treat will happen concurrently with the Scout Troop 50’s 44th 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. 19 so we can plan out our lot map.

So what happens next?

CLICK HERE

to email Kathryn & Suzann (our Community Collaboration Team)
by September 19 to let us know how you’d like to participate!

Community@StGregorysChurch.org
or call/text 801.380.8245