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As with all non-profit organizations, looking for ways to raise both money and awareness of your cause is something that is a continual process. This is the story of how one idea for a way to raise awareness of the Dorchester Children’s Center has evolved into a major fundraising event bringing people into Summerville from all over the country.
In 2003, the Board of Directors of Children In Crisis in Dorchester County was looking for a fundraising idea to support the Dorchester Children’s Center. Pam Linton, a Board Member on the Fundraising Committee, proposed having a Kitchen Tour. Brainstorming with friend Wellyn Moore and Marlena Myers, Chairman of the Board, they envisioned a walking tour which would engage all of one's senses - Lowcountry Chefs in the home kitchen’s serving their cuisine and area musicians performing in the parlors and gardens. Art work and floral arrangements would be showcased in the homes as well.
Pam Linton and Wellyn Moore co-chaired the Kitchen Tour with Johnny Linton and Marlena Myers spearheading sponsorships for the event. The first Kitchen Tour was held on historic Sumter Avenue and was a sold out event. This close-knit community has been incredibly supportive and embraced not only the Dorchester Children’s Center but also this event; as it takes nearly 200 volunteers to host the Kitchen Tour. The Summerville Police and Fire Departments have also been very supportive of Dorchester Children’s Center by handling traffic and logistics for the event each year.
Given the venue and concept, it was guaranteed to be a success; the first Kitchen Tour grossed $75,000 and has since become a major fundraising event for Dorchester Children’s Center accounting for 20% of our annual operating budget. In the six years since inception, the Scrumptious Summerville Kitchen Tour has grossed $860,000. Now in its seventh year, the event has sold out every year, with patrons arriving from all over the country, 1000 tickets are sold in a matter of a few months.
The Scrumptious Summerville Kitchen Tour is an opportunity to showcase Summerville and its historic beauty. A neighborhood or series of streets is selected each year and homeowner’s are asked to open their homes to the public for one afternoon in the Fall. Usually there are 10 to 12 homes are on the tour. Lowcountry Chef’s from some of the region’s most notable restaurants are placed in the kitchens and gardens and present a tasting of their cuisine to each guest. The Chef’s donate their time, labor and food. Local musicians share their talents and are placed throughout the homes and gardens on the tour. Area florists create stunning arrangements to enhance the décor of the homes and the works of local artists are also on display throughout the homes.
Another event held that weekend in conjunction with the Kitchen Tour is our Sponsor’s Gala, which takes place Saturday evening before the Kitchen Tour on Sunday. Many businesses and individuals support the Kitchen Tour and we offer sponsorship levels ranging from $300 to $25,000. These sponsorships come with a variety of perks given the sponsor level. All sponsors are invited to the Gala, which is held at a different venue each year. As with most Gala’s, elegantly dressed women, lively entertainment, fabulous food and libations are a given. Patrons attending our Gala are not to be disappointed as we tempt them with trips to far-away places such as Africa, beautiful estate jewelry or the “ride of choice” - a tricked out golf cart. Through the generous gifts of in-kind donors, comprised of both businesses and individuals alike, we raise approximately $25,000 with the auction that evening.
The Seventh Annual Scrumptious Summerville Kitchen Tour, to benefit Children In Crisis, Inc., will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2009, from 1:00-5:00 p.m., rain or shine. Experience Southern hospitality at its best… visit stately homes, captivating cottages, and charming gardens in Historic Summerville as you sample creative cuisine and decadent desserts prepared by premiere Lowcountry chefs. Enjoy the sound of talented musicians, preview the work of local artists, and inhale the beauty of the floral creations displayed by area florists. Sponsorship opportunities are available and individual tickets are $50 each and available in advance online through www.scrumptioussummerville.com or call (843) 875-1551. Special lodging packages are also available via our website.
Proceeds from the Kitchen Tour raises funds for Children In Crisis, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization which operates Dorchester Children’s Center, the only Child Advocacy Center in Dorchester County serving children who have suffered the trauma of abuse, and their families. In 2008, Dorchester Children’s Center provided services for 848 children, including forensic interviews, forensic medical examinations, and child and family therapy sessions.
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