To the Editor,
The 38th Candlelight Tour of Homes® has come to its conclusion. What a year of variations around deep traditions! It was a very favored event and compliments were plentiful. The Historic Jefferson Foundation has every reason to be proud of this success!
To James and Sharon Goolsby owners of Dotson-King home; Mayor Rob and Pam Baker owners of the Culberson House; Matt and India Stanberry owners of the Heron House, our profound thanks. Never before have we seen the great kindness extended to our Tour. You made the guests feel very welcomed in spite of masks and other restrictions. Your homes were simply beautiful in every case and were a pleasure to all.
Special thanks to the Collins Foundation and Today Foundation for showing the Union Baptist Church. What a beautiful early “country” church, perfectly decorated and a favorite of our guests.
To the Board of Directors of the HJF thank you for your extraordinary work during this tour. Some guided all six nights without complaint. I know your feet (if not your entire body) ache! You are the backbone of this organization and your commitment is obvious and deeply appreciated.
To the members of the HJF who donated time, treasure and temperament to our success, hugs and thanks. Some of you served as docents, some put ticket envelopes together, some decorated, some brought goodies to the homeowners and docents. Your efforts are all so valuable to our success.
Thanks to the Lions Club for the stunningly pretty Enchanted Forest. As I drove around each night (except the night of the monsoon!), there were many enjoying the enchantment. Such a festive sight.
Thanks to the City Council for going into this “faith” effort with us in permitting the tour this year.
To those who provided exceptional publicity for our event, how can we ever thank you adequately? While some was paid ads, there were a number of bonus ads that were gratis. We are deeply indebted to you.
It has taken many to reach this success during 2020. We are grateful.
Laura Omer, President, Board of Directors, HJF