You can immerse yourself in a day of stunning architecture, contemporary design and relaxing garden retreats at the Come be Inspired CFUW Aurora/Newmarket Home and Garden tour this Sunday, June 9.
Guests will have the opportunity to explore six homes and gardens while contributing to the local CFUW Charitable Trust scholarship program for young women. This year’s goal is to raise $30,000 for scholarships, enough to support 10 $3,000 scholarships, a CFUW news release said.
Since 1957, more than 500 educational awards have been given to students from secondary schools in York Region, as well as students at Seneca College and York University.
"Each of the two tours we have held have been very successful, raising $60,000 for scholarships,” said Janice Van Dyke, president of the club’s Charitable Trust.
History enthusiasts will appreciate visiting The Sutherland House in Newmarket, a renowned 1889 Italianate-style Victorian residence on Prospect Street. Meticulously restored by the current homeowners, the yellow brick home showcases their pride and design talent that extends to the serene, half-acre backyard sanctuary.
Aurora realtors Angela Jones and Doug Sabiston of Your Community Reality are loyal supporters of the CFUW tour and once again found a home to showcase on the tour. This year they are sponsoring an early 1900s home in Newmarket that they stripped to the studs. They rebuilt and expanded the home with a complete second-story addition that honours the design and appearance of the other charming homes on Niagara Street.
“We strive to enrich our guests' tour experience with exciting new features each year. For our 2024 tour, student musicians from Huron Heights Secondary School will be performing at our Aurora and Newmarket locations, and six talented artists from Kingcrafts Studio will be sketching live at the garden locations," said Donna Wright, another co-chair for the tour.
"We're thrilled to unveil this year's scholarship fundraising tour that includes two fantastic locations in Aurora," said Jean Fraser, HGT co-chair.
One of these is the residence of local artist, Vicki Carruthers. Visitors will have the chance to explore her unique "gallery" home that features 17 of Vicki's paintings and a visit to her studio.
A two-acre property on Steeplechase in Aurora Estates was transformed by landscape architects, Pathways to Perennials, which specialize in creating functional outdoor living spaces and easy-care perennial gardens that grow and evolve with the seasons.
The tour and the scholarship program has the support of many businesses owners and community partners as it aligns with their commitment to community development and charitable causes.
One of these partners is Deb Clark, owner of Oakridge’s Fashions in Aurora. She selected the club as one of six charities to share in the $10,000 proceeds from her annual holiday program, The Giving Shop.
"I am thrilled to donate $1,650 to support CFUW Aurora/Newmarket's scholarship program. We truly hope this contribution aids in advancing the educational aspirations of young women in our community," said Clark.
Other key event sponsors include Roadhouse & Rose, Scotia Wealth Management, New Roots Garden Centre, Amica Aurora Promenade and H.J Pfaff Audi.
Tickets may be purchased through Eventbrite for $40 each.
For more tour information, updates, and exclusive sneak peaks, follow CFUW on Instagram.
To learn more about CFUW and the work they do in the community, visit their website.
