Get ready to immerse yourself in a day of stunning architecture, contemporary design, and relaxing garden retreats at the 2024 Come be Inspired CFUW Aurora/Newmarket Home and Garden Tour June 9 in Newmarket, Aurora and Richmond Hill.
"The event promises a delightful journey through seven exquisite homes and gardens, showcasing the talents of local designers, gardeners, landscapers, and generous support from valued sponsors," organizers said in a news release.
Tickets, $40, give guests "the unique opportunity to explore these remarkable properties while contributing to a very worthy cause."
All proceeds benefit the organization's charitable trust scholarship program for young women. This year’s goal is to raise $35,000 for scholarships.
“Since the fundraising tour began in 2022, we’ve raised over $60,000 for scholarships thanks to our community supporters. This highlights our commitment to empowering young women through education,” said Janice Van Dyke, president of the charitable trust. “In June this year, we will be giving 16 $3,000 scholarships to young women graduating from secondary schools in the northern area of York Region.”
Since 2020, CFUW Aurora/Newmarket has given 20 scholarships to young women graduating from Newmarket high schools. Information on how to apply is available here: CFUW A/N’s scholarship program. Applications are due April 30.
“We’re thrilled to unveil this year’s scholarship fundraising tour, showcasing the remarkable talents of local designers and homeowners. From meticulously restored homes to garden sanctuaries, each location offers a unique and inspiring experience for our guests, all while supporting young women’s education,” says Jean Fraser, home and garden tour co-chair.
Here is an overview of this year’s tour:
- Newmarket — Built in the early 1900s, this home rebuilt and redesigned in 2019 by Realtors Angela Jones and Doug Sabiston maintains its charming historical exterior.
- Newmarket — The Sutherland House, a well-known 1889 Italianate-style yellow brick Victorian home on Prospect Street, was meticulously restored by the current homeowners. Their pride and talent for design is evident in the half-acre backyard sanctuary.
- Aurora — On a quiet grove in the Hills of St. Andrew is the beautiful home of local artist Vicki Carruthers. Visitors will tour this ‘gallery’ home that features 17 of Vicki’s paintings and visit her studio.
- Aurora — Nestled in the exclusive neighbourhood of Aurora Estates, this two-acre property was transformed by landscape architects Pathways to Perennials and features beautiful stone pathways and perennial gardens that provide seasonal interest.
- Richmond Hill — An executive townhome designed by Carol Ann Horvat of Peacock and Owl incorporates stunning, modern features.
- Richmond Hill — A beautiful habitat garden, a meadow and pond demonstrate the diverse ways in which we can live in harmony with nature.
- Richmond Hill — A modern bungalow with a sleek, stylish open plan in the prestigious Patterson community.
The scholarship program is the reason many businesses owners and community partners are sponsors for the tour as it aligns with their commitment to community development and charitable causes.
“We are thrilled to be part of this event. It’s a fantastic platform for us to showcase our work and support a charity close to our hearts — scholarships for young women,” said Angie Allen, co-owner and designer of Pathways to Perennials, garden sponsor of a backyard oasis on Steeplechase Avenue in Aurora.
Eileen Vardon, associate wealth adviser with RBC Wealth Management Dominion Securities Inc., feels the same way: “We are excited to support young women who want to achieve a post-secondary education, and flourish as successful individuals. CFUW allows us all to be stronger together. Aurora and Newmarket continue to grow as thriving diverse communities, where women achieve great things.”
Other key event sponsors for this year’s event include Roadhouse & Rose, Scotia Wealth Management, Town of Aurora, 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 peeks, follow CFUW on Instagram.
To learn more about the work the club does in the community, visit their website at cfuwauroranewmarket.com.
