Most people have stood in the kitchens of their friends, relatives or neighbors, but it’s not every day that one gets to explore strangers’ kitchens and learn about unique features, design and functionality.
The Kitchen Kapers tour in Upper Arlington, this year sponsored by Erie Insurance and held from noon-5 p.m. on Sept. 13, has been giving people that opportunity for the past 28 years.
Each fall, residents volunteer to show off their new or recently remodeled kitchens to hundreds of people. The tour began in 1987 when a group of Upper Arlington women wanted to raise money for the OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, specifically concentrating on breast health services.
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The effort was met with success, and they eventually decided to expand support to all oncology services at the hospital.
For the past seven years, Kitchen Kapers has benefited Riverside’s Arts in Medicine program. The program gives patients exposure to various types of art, allowing them to enjoy the company of professional artists, a harpist, a guitarist and an art therapist.
Kara Rappolt, president of the 2015 Kitchen Kapers tour, explains the importance of this assistance.
“They work with patients at their bedside and help them deal with the emotional impact of cancer,” Rappolt says.
Rappolt has seen how much the hospital has been able to do to comfort patients and families. Volunteer Jen McHale has been working with the children of cancer patients, providing an outlet for them while their parents are going through infusions or chemo treatments.
Guitarist John Morgan has put a lot of smiles on the faces of patients and their families. He has several anecdotes that can be found on the Kitchen Kapers website, www.kitchenkapers.org, including one about an Elvis impersonator and one about using music to motivate an elderly patient to finish her exercise.
Since 1987, Kitchen Kapers has raised about $600,000. Last year, it took in an impressive $80,000. This year’s goal is $10,000.
The patients and volunteers at Riverside are not the only ones who reap the benefits of the tour.
Rappolt says that though many people purchase tickets for the tour because they want to donate money to a good cause, many are looking for ideas for their own homes.
The tour is self-guided, and people can stop by the houses in any order they choose. Visitors can speak with homebuilders and architects who know the details of the room to learn about special features and the building or remodeling process.
“It’s a great source of business for our sponsors,” Rappolt says.
It is not unusual for people on the tour to end up meeting the person or company that will ultimately end up working on their own home.
This year’s tour will include seven kitchens, all either built or renovated in the past three years.
“We have to find people who have the generosity to open their homes to 700 tour guests,” Rappolt says.
Among the homes are a mid-century modern ranch, two dwellings with pools and a house that was once owned by Jim Tressel.
Of course, the kitchens themselves are equally impressive. There is a sleek, ultra-modern kitchen; a kitchen with heated floors; and various types of cabinets including white, painted and face-lifted.
“We have different styles so everyone can see an assortment of kitchens,” Rappolt says.
The ideal kitchen depends on the type of cook, but features frequently found include large islands, double ovens, industrial gas cooktops, large refrigerators and open spaces.
“Durability and function are a top priority,” Rappolt says.
All of the homes on this year’s tour belong to families with children.
“It’s exciting to see how these residents are able to create their kitchen to still fit their family’s lifestyle,” says Rappolt.
Of course, no kitchen is complete without food, and each home will feature samples from two different restaurants: one sweet and one savory.
Advance tickets can be purchased at www.kitchenkapers.org through Sept. 6 or at Huffman’s Market, Chocolate Café, DeSantis Florist Inc. and Tin Bakery through Sept. 12. They can be purchased the day of the tour at any of the homes for $30.
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Christina Szuch is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at ssole@cityscenemediagroup.com.
