CAPE GIRARDEAU – A local non-profit agency will be hosting one of the area’s longest standing holiday traditions, highlighting area homes and their Christmas décor, virtually. Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS) will host the 33rd Annual Holiday Home Tour beginning Saturday, December 11, for all to see from the comfort of their own homes.
Christy O’Neal, Regional Development Officer with LFCS announced today that this year the organization who has hosted the Holiday Home Tour for 33 years, will be continuing its tradition, but with the help of technology.
“We had hoped this year would be different than last year and were planning to go back to our in-person event, but mid-way through our planning process, we had to make the tough decision to go virtual again. We completely understand everyone is ready to get back to normal and ready to go out and attend events now. But not everyone is ready to open up their homes for hundreds of people to come through their doors just yet. Going virtual still allows us to share these beautiful homes all decked out in their best Holiday décor!”
Plus, we have a few exciting things to note this year. First of all, we are including some professional decorating tips & tricks from Cindy Buchheit with Unique Ambiance.
Who couldn’t use those, right? Second, we’ve added a little mischief to this year’s tour that we think everyone will enjoy! Lastly, every ticket purchase automatically includes a chance to win a fully decorated Christmas tree (on display at Heartland Custom Flooring) or a Gift Basket full of holiday cheer (on display at Patrick Furniture)!
According to O’Neal, this signature event started 33 years ago in order to support children and families in the community.
“Over the years, we’ve shared some of Southeast Missouri’s finest homes, shown some amazing Christmas décor and helped create a lot of fun, lasting memories. We’re excited we will still be able to bring this magic into everyone’s homes, and at the same time raise critical funds.”
Proceeds from the event will help LFCS continue to provide much-needed services in Southeast Missouri including Adoption, Parenting, Crisis Pregnancy and Counseling services.
This year’s Tour will showcase six homes – five that have never been on the tour and one “Blast from the Past” home. Each home is just as unique as the homeowners. “I am confident everyone will enjoy seeing what we have in store for them, and getting to hear a little about each home as well”, says O’Neal.
- Rick and Tracy Blattner – “Blast from the Past” home
Revisiting a favorite home that was on the tour 8 years ago! Originally a ranch style home built around 1971, but numerous exterior renovations and upgrades (including a swimming pool & 4-car garage), transformed it into more of a craftsman style. Inside you’ll find a grand piano, walls of beautiful artwork, a Hall of Fame gallery, a Wine Room, King Charles Cavalier Spaniels, Paris decor and a Christmas tree full of lots and lots of CANDY, among many other things.
- Bob and Jackie Gardner – a John Boardman designed home
This 1959 home was originally designed by John Boardman, a prominent local architect known for his distinctive architectural style. It underwent a complete home makeover in 2019/2020 and is now completely new from top to bottom. The peaceful inside boasts lots of natural light, a flowing floor plan and an exquisite Master Ensuite. The inviting outside includes a gorgeous in-ground pool, fire pit, pizza oven, bar and covered dining area.
- Micky and Kathi Harvey – A Phoenix-inspired home
Nature is the color scheme of this cozy Phoenix-inspired home, with its wood and brick look. While the inviting hearth room has numerous windows that stream in lots of natural light, the backyard will draw you outside to the covered, screen-in seating area and in-ground swimming pool. Built in 1972, this remodeled home has plenty of room to entertain for the holidays.
- Bert and Mary Ann Kellerman – A beloved restored historical home
The Missouri Flag House, also known as the Oliver-Leming home, was built in 1895 by Jerome B. Legg and has been meticulously restored to its glory. Fireplaces, bathroom fixtures and floor tile, oak and cypress millwork and floors are all original to the home. Furnishings gathered over 10 years help complete this 19th century home where a Victorian Christmas is awaiting.
- Scott and Samantha Rhodes – A renovated 1930’s home
Built in late 1930’s, this home has seen many Christmases with lots of families. Changes over the years and some more recently have made it even more cozy and inviting. The open floor plan allows for more entertaining during “Friendsmas”. One tree full of Waterford Christmas ornaments and another tree full of travel ornaments are two favorites of the family and to visitors.
- Dennis and Summer Riney – A Tudor style home with modern flair
Built in 1981 on three acres this Tudor style home is a bit of country in the city limits, with modern interior. The large family tree stands proud in the center of the living room and is adorned with homemade family ornaments as well as collectibles. Several other trees can be found throughout the home bringing the feel of Christmas season no matter what room you are in. Friends and family will feel the true meaning of Christmas.
“The Holiday Home Tour is our only fundraising event for the Cape office”, states O’Neal. She continues, “The event is extremely important this year as we still have children and families who desperately need our help”. With the Home Tour being virtual it will be available on a much wider scale and LFCS hopes to see an increase in ticket sales. It doesn’t matter where you live or where the homes are located in order to see them. Plus, you’ll be able to do it from the warmth and comfort of your own home.
O’Neal also points out that financial profitability of this event would not be possible at all without the support of the area business sponsors.
This year the event is being presented by Realty Executives Edge, The Bank of Missouri and River Radio. Gold Sponsors include Heartland Custom Flooring and Team Fish. Silver Sponsor is Withers Broadcasting. In addition, each home has been sponsored by a business or individual, plus there are Bronze sponsors as well as advertisers. “Without the support of these sponsors, we would be completely dependent upon ticket sales to raise the funds. They step up and give this event, and our organization, the financial foundation we need to have a profitable and successful event each and every year” O’Neal adds.
The event also could not take place without the kindness of the homeowners, volunteers and other members of the community who make it happen and make it successful. From local media outlets getting the word out, to the Home Tour Committee working tirelessly lining up homes and contacting sponsors, to the homeowners who willingly share their private spaces – it’s apparent that without this generous community’s support, this Home Tour would not have seen the success it has over the past 33 years.
Of course, the virtual tour could not happen without the creativity and talent of James Faught, owner of Wild Story Productions, who tirelessly puts in many hours making everything look amazing! Our charismatic host, Brian Gerau, also spends hours of his time guiding us through each home effortlessly while sharing information about the homes along the way.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased different ways. They are available by texting HOMETOUR to 50155, or online at www.lfcsmo.org/2021-tour. They can also be purchased with cash or check in person at Heartland Floor Covering or Patrick Furniture. For more information, contact Christy O’Neal at (573) 380-5277.
LFCS is a non-profit, statewide, social service organization with offices in Cape Girardeau, St. Louis, Columbia and Springfield. The Cape Girardeau office serves the entire Southeast Missouri area providing a multitude of services including mental health counseling for families in crisis, helping young women navigate life choices through unexpected pregnancies, and finding forever families created through adoption. In addition to the services geared toward women and children, the organization also provides older adult services out of the Cape Girardeau location. These services include Behavioral Health Counseling for a variety of concerns, as well as Caregiver Group Counseling and Grief/Loss Support Group. Services provided by LFCS are open to everyone regardless of race, faith, national origin, gender or age. Although Lutheran based, more than 80 percent of families served are non-Lutheran. For more information, visit www.lfcsmo.org.