Boys and Girls Club Tour of Homes event returns

Date: 11/25/2014

WEST SPRINGFIELD – After taking 2013 off, the West Springfield Boys and Girls Club is bringing back its 18th Annual Holiday Tour of Homes event on Dec. 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This year’s tour includes seven homes in West Springfield, as well as the Josiah Day House. Homeowners volunteer, decorate their houses and open their doors to the community. Among the featured homes is that of Mayor Edward Sullivan.

According to Director of Development John O’Farrell, those who volunteer their homes have been hard at work to make the tour as festive as possible.

“The best part of the day is seeing all of the smiling faces come in, just enjoying everybody’s homes. Some of them really go all out and decorate it in holiday style. You’re amazed at the amount of decorations and time the homeowners take to put this together. They all do a really great job,” O’Farrell said. “They’ve got their holiday decorations out extra early. Some of them have their decorations out even before Thanksgiving.”

People participating on the tour are welcomed to stop by the Monte Carlo restaurant from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a buffet lunch. Though the Monte Carlo typically is not open on Saturdays, it will be to help fundraising, something that O’Farrell credits to a strong community backing.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to really rally around the club in support of our efforts, giving kids brighter futures and giving them someplace that’s stable and consistent and supportive that they can go to day after day,” O’Farrell said. “We are continuing to look for ways further our outreach efforts in the community to expand programs.”

Even beyond the good cause, O’Farrell said the event is holiday fun for everyone involved.

“It’s just a great opportunity to get together with family and friends and to have an enjoyable day and kick off the holiday season,” O’Farrell said. “If Thanksgiving and Black Friday don’t do it for you, the Tour of Homes certainly will.”
Lunch at the Monte Carlo costs $15, including taxes and gratuities. Tickets for the tour itself are $20 and can be purchased at the West Springfield Boys and Girls Club, Durocher Florist, Flowers by Webster and Sorrento Pizza. They are also available in Agawam at Cooper’s and Floral Concepts by Tom, as well as in Westfield at Pilgrim Candle Company.
 For more information about the event, call the West Springfield Boys and Girls Club at 736-1831.