Lights On Ekman Show Raises More Than $4K For Batavia Nonprofit

BATAVIA, IL — Every December since 2018, the house at 969 Ekman Drive in Batavia transforms into a musically synced light show. Known as "Lights on Ekman," the display draws visitors to celebrate the holidays and spend time with their loved ones.

At the same time, though in a less widely advertised manner, Brett Foy, the show's organizer, is fundraising for a local nonprofit. This year, between Halloween and Jan. 1, he raised $4,133 to donate to Batavia Mothers' Club Foundation.

In the last two years, Foy set a goal to collect $5,000 for the organization that raises money to contribute to local charities and schools. Though he came just short both years, raising about $4,500 in 2020, the Batavia resident told Patch he chooses not to actively promote the fundraiser and instead let it grow organically — people can either donate via Facebook or drop cash off in a donation box outside his house during the light show.

To Foy, besides wanting to give back to his community, he said the foundation's mission and philanthropy spoke to him.

"It truly is helping folks that are local and folks that are doing things for other people," he said.

Of money raised, 100 percent goes to Batavia Mothers' Club.

"Sometimes people think I'm asking for donations for the show," he said. "If I couldn't afford the show, I wouldn't do it. It's expensive, but the donations are definitely for the Mothers' Club and every dollar that I get goes to it."

Lights on Ekman might officially have ended its Christmas light show Jan. 1, but Foy will soon have to start planning for the next season. Working in sales during the day, Foy spends his weekends throughout the year organizing and choreographing his display.

"People can't believe it's just me," he said. "It's literally just me; there's nobody that helps. It's just me and my time."

Born out of boredom of regular, stationary lights, the project has been a way for Foy to conquer a technical challenge by creating an animated light and music show. It might take thousands of hours a year — hours, he joked, he doesn't spend golfing like others might — but he does it because "it makes people happy. It makes me happy. ... Not to be corny, but it brings light to the world."

This year's playlist of classics and modern pieces included "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" by Electrix Six, Basshunter's "Jingle Bell Bass," "Here Comes Santa Clause/Winter Wonderland" by Pitch Perfect and Trans-Siberian Orchestra's "O Come All Ye Faithful/O Holy Night." They're songs Foy makes sure he enjoys listening to since he has to hear a piece repeated hundreds of times while sequencing.

Being the host of a light show that runs until 9:30 p.m. every night for about a month, Foy said he's "extraordinarily lucky" to have supportive neighbors. And when people visit, some come by themselves to stay for just a song or two, while others make it a family affair.

"I've met people who come after work every night and just see one or two songs because Christmas is a hard time for them, and it was just a way to get out of the house, reflect and enjoy something of the season," he said. "The fact that I can make something that's meaningful to other people ... makes me want to keep doing it."

Looking into the future, fans of Lights on Ekman can expect a return of the display next season.

"It only takes days to take it down but it takes weeks and weeks and weeks to set it up," Foy said. "My intention will be to do a Halloween show and a Christmas show, but we'll just see if the stars align to make that happen this year."