Ballet Kelowna fundraiser decks the halls of local homes
A heritage home, an upscale contemporary dwelling, a house with old world flair and a few bed and breakfasts are being dressed up for the holidays.
The six privately-owned homes are the stops on the Hot Holiday Homes self-guided tour this weekend.
The event is one of three key annual fundraisers for Ballet Kelowna.
"We try to find a nice variety of homes," said Debbie MacMillan, organizer of development and events for Ballet Kelowna.
"We really think we provide something that will appeal to everyone."
This is the second year Ballet Kelowna has put on Hot Holiday Homes; however, a similar event—Homes for the Holidays—used to run annually as a Rotary Centre for the Arts fundraiser.
"When they decided not to do it anymore, we picked it up and rebranded it," said MacMillan.
"It's the kind of event that a city needs."
Most of the homes are being decorated by local designers to give visitors a few ideas of how to deck out their own homes this Christmas.
MacMillan said tickets are also often snatched up by those interested in remodeling their home or building a new house.
This year, 11 interior design students from the Centre for Arts and Technology have been working with the designers to get hands-on experience as part of their course mark.
"They're enjoying learning from the designers and we're loving their energy, enthusiasm and all the fresh ideas they're bringing to us."
Participants in the tour will be given a map indicating the six locations of the East Kelowna homes.
In addition to the house tours, wine tastings, food samplings and musical entertainment will also be provided.
Ballet Kelowna is hoping this year's version of Hot Holiday Homes will raise $30,000 to help with some of the many costs the organization is faced with.
"Ticket prices just can't cover the cost of our performances.
"We need funds to help us tour, do the productions, make the costumes and buy the point shoes."
Tickets for Hot Holiday Homes are $45 and can be purchased at balletkelowna.ca.
wpaterson@kelownacapnews.com
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