Giving is the true spirit of the holiday season, and for Kurt Girardot, fleet technician A based in Fort Wayne, that spirit literally shines bright. Drive by his home and you will find a fantastical and festive light show timed to music (FM 107.1), as well as a collection bin to help homeless veterans.
“My family and I have been developing and creating magical holiday displays for more than 15 years. Growing up, my father, brother and I helped our neighbor with their display and continued with the tradition in our own homes,” Girardot said. “Over the years, my brother and I noticed the increase in traffic our displays were generating, and decided to use that attention to give back to those in need. My brother collects food for Community Harvest, and I’m passionate about collecting men’s socks for Invisible Vets, a non-profit in Fort Wayne helping homeless Veterans.”
Socks are considered to be one of the most-needed, but least donated, items in shelters across the United States.
At the end of his driveway, Girardot has a collection bin for socks or money for Invisible Vets. The monetary donations are used to purchase more socks. His goal is to collect at least 1,000 pairs of socks this year, but with the big goal comes an even bigger show.
This year’s display is Girardot’s largest ever, with more than 10,000 pixels (individual, smart LED lights) in use.
If you would like to view the display in person and make a donation, his address is: 9219 Old Lower Huntington Road, Fort Wayne, IN. Show times are:
- Sunday-Thursday 6:00 - 10:30 p.m.
- Friday-Saturday 6:00 - 11:00 p.m.