2001 SML Charity Home Tour & Gala
By Lynda Imirie, Resident Moneta, 24121

          It was a night of dazzling “Stars and Hearts For Charity” at the SML Charity Home Tour Gala, celebrated in the elegant and grand Hotel Roanoke last month.
          There was a magical ambiance in the air as the room filled with women in stunning evening gowns and handsome men in black ties, an estimated 300 guests.  Throughout the formal but-ever-so-delectable dinner, the music, dancing and entertaining auctions, the magic continued and lingered until well after midnight.
          The owners of the ten homes on this year’s Tour were the special guests of honor or “stars” of the Gala.  For the three days of the Tour, these homeowners graciously step aside and allow 2-3,000 visitors browse through the rooms of their homes.  During the Gala, each of the homeowners was presented with a framed, original pen and ink drawing of their home created by local artist Marty Overton-Davidson.
          Special recognition was also given to the major sponsors or “hearts” of the Tour, who together contributed over $100,000 for the eight charities benefiting from the Tour events this year.  
          These moneys along with the proceeds of the Gala auction and Tour ticket sales have exceeded $200,000 in past years.  Early figures have Tour officials confident this year will be as successful.
          But don’t be fooled – no one is resting on this success.  Several homes for next year’s Tour have already been selected.  Charity applications for the 2002 Tour have been received and evaluated.  Sponsors are being asked again to give their support and plans for the next Home Tour are well on their way!
          Exactly what is it that continues to make the Tour so spectacular and exciting?
 In the past 10 years, the SML Charity Home Tour has become a well-recognized and familiar benchmark of fall Lake life, continually drawing thousands of visitors to our idyllic, scenic corner of southwest Virginia. Whether you’re new to the area, just visiting or have lived here for several years, the biggest attraction is having the opportunity to go inside the ten homes chosen for the Tour. Maybe you’re looking to build a home at the Lake, or do some remodeling of your own.  Perhaps you’re hoping to find a builder or professional designer.  Or it could be you’re just curious what’s behind the front door of these Lakeside houses.
         The variety of homes provides something for every style and preference. Some of this year’s homes were professionally designed, decorated and/or landscaped.  They included homes with a country flair and some with a European flavor.  Most reflected the creativity of the owners, collectibles from world travels or treasured family heirlooms. Nearly every one offered breathtaking views of the Lake or mountains. 
          All the while the guests were enjoying the homes and Lake area, they were actually helping charities who provide services to the poor, sick, hungry, homeless, abused children, families and elderly in the surrounding communities. (See sidebar/box) For many of these charitable organizations, the money received from the Home Tour is more than they could ever hope to raise on their own. Most of the 1200+ volunteers who work on planning and presenting the Tour will tell you their hours of hard work are enthusiastically given for the benefit of others. There are no paid employees on the Tour staff nor is there paid advertising.  Nearly all of the materials and goods are donated or heavily discounted.
          As a result, Tour organizers proudly emphasize that more than 90% of the money raised is donated directly to the charities.  Most fund raisers average 25% in administrative costs.  Last year, the Tour used only 8% of the proceeds for expenses. And that, everyone agrees, is what makes the Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour and Gala so spectacular!

Charities
•Adult Care Center of Central VA
•Bedford Christian Free Clinic
•Court Appointed Special - Advocates (CASA) of Roanoke Valley and Central VA
•Good Samaritan Hospice
•Helping Hands of Franklin County
•Roanoke Valley Interfaith - Hospitality Network
•National Multiple Sclerosis - Society, Blue Ridge Chapter
•The Lynchburg Daily Bread