By Katelynn Cole
What if someone said you could help a college freshman attend college, a woman earn a degree, Dublin City Schools develop special programs and assist needy Dublin families just by touring six of Tartan Fields’ finest homes?
The Dublin Women’s Philanthropic Club is having its annual Christmas Tour of Homes at 1 p.m. Dec. 6 to raise money for several of these initiatives. The event is the club’s largest fundraiser.
The women’s club is a nonprofit organization with more than 125 members who strive to promote education and charitable causes. According to the mission statement, “(The club) seeks to bring about civic betterment and provide opportunities for women to connect with other women.”
The club’s first tour of homes was held in October 1980. It was subsequently held at various times of the year before going several years without the fundraiser. In 2003, the event was re-established during the Christmas season and has since become an annual tradition.
This year, the tour includes six beautifully and uniquely decorated homes in the Tartan Fields area. The tour begins and ends with its signature reception at the Country Club at Muirfield Village.
“What sets Dublin’s home tour apart from other tours is the reception held before and after,” says Bev Goldie, tour chairperson. “Ticket holders are treated to hors d’ouvres and desserts at a lovely country club with live musical performances. They really get a whole afternoon treat.”
Tour-goers are also encouraged to buy raffle tickets for $5 each, or five for $20, for a chance to win gift baskets and a variety of other items.
Though deciding on homes to include in the tour is a lengthy process, most were chosen based on architectural style, history, decorations or other unique qualities.
“We’ve had such a wonderful variety of styles throughout the years. Most years you see something different that you’ve never seen before,” Goldie says. “Last year there was a ‘Hunting Tree’ complete with bugles, equestrian gear and a fox hiding near the top. Another used feathers in their garnishes going up the stair railings and had a year-round Christmas room.”
Two years ago, one house was chosen because it included a Christmas tree in almost every room of the house. This year, one of the homeowners is from Eastern Europe, and their decorations will include ethnic costumes, stemware and even ethnic baked goods to sample. Another home will have fresh greenery around the house, including garland going up the stairwell and a freshly cut Christmas tree.
After the tour, participants are invited back to the country club for more raffles, food and music. All proceeds will go to the club’s choice of charities.
“Many of the individuals and families who have been beneficiaries of the DWC General Philanthropic Fund fall outside the charter of other charitable organizations because their needs are temporary,” says Karen Brown, club president. “Scholarships are awarded to one graduating senior from each of the three Dublin high schools. Education grants are awarded annually in support of special programs developed by teachers within the Dublin City Schools. Also, each year a charter member grant is awarded to assist women returning to school to earn a college degree.”
The tour of homes is not only for people excited about helping others, but also for anyone in search of a fun and entertaining afternoon or decoration ideas.
For more information, visit www.dublinwomensclub.org. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door, and can be purchased on the Web site or by calling 614-793-0836.
Tickets will also be available for sale at Audacious Boutique in the Shoppes at River Ridge, at Baker’s Fine Gifts and Florals on Dublin Road, Ha’penny Bridge Imports of Ireland on High Street in Historic Dublin and The Morgan House on Glick Road.
Katelynn Cole is a contributing writer for Dublin Life.