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Date: 11/26/2021
WEST SPRINGFIELD — For the 25th year, the Annual Holiday Tour of Homes Fundraiser, sponsored by the West Springfield Boys & Girls Club, is set to return virtually on Dec. 4.
According to Sarah Calabrese, resource development director at the West Springfield Boys & Girls Club, “In a traditional year, 650 participants tour the interiors of holiday decorated homes in the West Springfield and Agawam communities.” However, due to the pandemic this year, “all homes have been professionally recorded and compiled into a magical video,” said Calabrese, to be shown at ticketed screenings or online.
The hosts of this year's Holiday Tour of Homes include Sheila and Patsy Albano and Sorrento’s Restaurant, Russ and Kelly Poe, Ted and Barbara Hebert, Kathy Cassidy, Tracey Ann Black and Joyce Reichelt.
Calabrese said a few of the hosts have participated in the tour before.
“Mayor William Reichelt’s mother is featuring her home again, but this time she is showcasing fall decor instead of Christmas decorations,” Calabrese said. “The Holiday Tour of Homes committee typically seeks out homes, but many homeowners have already reached out to inquire if they could put their home on next year’s tour.”
The video will premiere with an in-person screening at the Storrowton Carriage House on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, on Dec. 4. There will be three showings that day, at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. Reservations are required, and tickets cost $44 per person. Calabrese said that ticket price includes a gourmet buffet, tour showing, and the 25th anniversary commemorative gift. The menu was not available at press time, but Calabrese described Storrowton’s cuisine as the “most delicious comfort food.” Depending on the reservation time slot, guests will either be served brunch or dinner items, while watching the tour on the big screen. Reservations can be made online at wsbgclub.org or by contacting the Boys & Girls Club at 736-1831.
Calabrese said there is no limit to how many people may attend each show, though the noon show has been filling up quickly.
Along with the viewing at Storrowton, Calabrese said there will be a few local vendors present that guests can purchase holiday goodies from.
“Some of the items include signs, goat’s milk soap, homemade garlic salt and wreaths,” she said.
Additionally, there will be a DIY hot chocolate bar and with the purchase of a Tito’s beverage, guests can top and decorate their own hot chocolate, said Calabrese.
Those who wish to view the tour but not attend the screening can receive a link via email to an online version of the video for a $25 donation per person. Calabrese noted that the Holiday Tour of Homes is a major fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club, and asked that those watching the video at home bear that in mind.
“The club and committee strongly encourage that participants make a $25 donation per person viewing the video, as that is how we raise funds for this event,” she said. “Traditionally, tickets are sold for $25 per person, so if donors are watching the virtual video with a group of people, we ask that each person in the viewing party make a donation.”
Proceeds go directly to the West Springfield Boys & Girls Club to support programs, families in need of financial aid, and community outreach efforts.
She said that over the years, this event has raised more than $25,000. The Boys and Girls Club is hopeful to meet or exceed that same goal this year.
To top off the 25th annual tour, Calabrese said, “I won’t give too much away, but participants can expect a tour of a location that has not been announced.”
To learn more or purchase a ticket for the 25th annual Holiday Tour of Homes, visit www.facebook.com/events/3769615063139528. For additional information, contact Sarah Calabrese at scalabrese@wsbgclub.com.
Checks or cash may be mailed to the club at 615 Main St., West Springfield. Calabrese asks that purchasers include their email address with the request, and double-check it to make sure it is spelled correctly.