CROYA Poinsettia Sale Helps ‘Such a Good Cause’
By Jillian Beaster The Committee Representing Our Young Adults (CROYA) annual poinsettia sale – the non-profit’s largest fundraiser of the year -- is in full effect through Nov. 11.
Elizabeth Tunney, a senior at Lake Forest High School, is fundraising chair and retreat leader for the CROYA youth organization. She oversees the poinsettia sale.
Elizabeth Tunney (left) gets together with CROYA co-founder Margot Martino after delivering poinsettias to her in 2025. “Something that I think makes people want to help is that donations go towards such a good cause, and you get pretty flowers,” said Tunney, who initially joined CROYA through Peer Training, a co-sponsored program offered by CROYA and LFHS. “We encourage each member to sell to at least five people.”
Tunney says students may go door-to-door or send the fundraising link to classmates, teachers and parents. Poinsettias range from $10-$40. They are available in red or white and are sold in 4-inch, 6-inch and 10-inch pots. A Christmas Cactus and Frosty Fern are also available for purchase for $15.
Some of the proceeds from the poinsettia sale are directed toward CROYA programming, specifically scholarships for retreats and work trips.
“This fundraising goes to kids who maybe can’t pay the amount or the full amount…I’ve received a scholarship, and it is very helpful,” Tunney said. The funds also contribute to CROYA’s Senior Awards for students pursuing higher education or trade school, as well as regular CROYA programming.
“It is great to get involved with selling them and also buying them because it goes to a really good cause,” Tunney said. “CROYA is such a great community to get involved in. We offer a lot of volunteering and service, so it makes you feel good while also meeting new people…it has made me more outgoing.”
Margot Martino, long-time Lake Forest resident and one of CROYA’s founders, launched the original poinsettia sale when she was the executive director of CROYA. CROYA is saddened by Margot’s recent passing at age 85. The positive impact she had on CROYA for more than four decades is a wonderful legacy for generations to come.
“My favorite memory about the poinsettia sale is when last year I volunteered to help deliver some poinsettias to her,” Tunney said. “I’m so glad that I took the opportunity because she was so sweet and told us how much the sale and CROYA mean to her…it was so special to meet her.”
The CROYA Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports the youth of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff and Knollwood. CROYA offers service-based programs to students from grades 7-12 to develop leadership skills through community engagement and connection.
Find more information at croyapoinsettia.com.
