[StBernard] Christmas Tour of Homes Returns for the Third Year Since Katrina Thursday, December 9

[Westley Annis]

Christmas Tour of Homes Returns for the Third Year Since Katrina


                 Nonprofits in St. Bernard Parish To Benefit from Fundraiser


 

Presented by: St. Bernard Parish Volunteers for Family and Community

Media Contact: Lucy Ruffino - 504.458.9120   

Date: Thursday, December 9, 2010                  

Time: 11a.m. - 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Location: Old Arabi Historic District in Arabi, LA   

Tickets:  $12 in advance/ $15 at the door

Phone # for tickets: 504.278.4234 - Lauren Faust at LSU AgCenter

 

The annual Christmas Tour of Homes, which has delighted adults and children
in St. Bernard Parish, is back for the third year since Katrina. The last
tour of homes in 2009 raised more than $20,000 for several St. Bernard
charities, and throughout its 18 years in existence, the tour has raised
well over $140,000. 

 

Eight homes in the Old Arabi Historic District are participating this year,
and event co-chair Nora Egan says the neighbors really pulled together to
make this event happen.  "This year's tour will be a delightful mix of
historic homes and beautiful Christmas decorations. Many lovely antiques
will be featured."  Of the 8 homes, 6 will be tour homes, one will house the
Christmas boutique, and another will have refreshments and the parade of
prizes. Entertainment will feature the school children of St. Bernard
performing instrumental music and singing inside and outside the homes. This
year will again feature Santa and Mrs. Claus greeting our guests and giving
out candy to the children.

 

Not only is the event a fun and beautiful way to raise money for local St.
Bernard charities, but many are looking forward to mini reunions as they
visit old neighbors and friends who were separated by the storm. "We've all
been scattered in different parts of the city and state," Egan explains,
"and this is a nice occasion to see people we used to visit with on a
regular basis. Now we all look forward to community events in St. Bernard to
reconnect." 

 

In years past, the Christmas Tour of Homes would draw a crowd of up to 2,000
people. Members of the St. Bernard Parish Volunteers for Family and
Community hope to have a good turnout this year, because several charities
will benefit. Last year we gave away $20,000 to 13 charities: the 4-H Club,
Project Graduation, Compassionate Friends, Jimmy's Kids, the St. Bernard
Project, the Community Center of St. Bernard,  Joe Davies Elementary Pelican
Club, Families Helping Families, the Battered Women's Center,  Chalmette
High School ROTC, City of Hope, Family Services of Greater N.O.,  and
Servants of Christ Food Bank.  All nonprofits applied earlier in the year to
become beneficiaries. 

 

Some businesses and families may choose to sponsor the event through larger
donations. Those patrons donating between $100 and $10,000 will receive
private tours and a reception before the evening event begins. Organizers
say they've already received several $100, $250, $500, and $1,000 donations
thus far. 

 

In addition to the tour itself, the SBVFC has created a new cookbook just in
time for the holiday season.  "Southern Comforts" is a compilation of
recipes shared by more than 100 volunteers throughout St. Bernard Parish.
The cookbooks can be purchased at the tour of homes for $12 each.  

 

The Gulf Coast Bank trolley and the SBURT bus will transport our guests
around the tour site as they have in the past years.  

 

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