Rain didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of hundreds of visitors and dozens of vendors who participated in the 30th annual Home Tour and Expo in Tellico Village on Sunday, Oct. 11.
Organized by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Tellico Village, the event raises money for area charities, with proceeds distributed to organizations serving those in need.
“I really love the way we can give every donation, every money that we make, from our sponsors or whatever it is we do, we give it all back to the community,” said Raquel Chavez-Galbraith, a club volunteer at the expo, held at the Tellico Village Yacht Club.
“What I really enjoy about this is the women coming together, and we all take a part and ownership in making sure it’s a successful home tour as well as successful for the club’s name and successful with the end result which is the charities we give to,” Chavez-Galbraith said.
More than 30 vendors staffed tables at the yacht club during the expo, which was held in conjunction with the home tour. The event also featured door prizes and a silent auction.
“I’m a people person, so I love seeing the people and talking to the people,” said Eleanor Salchak, event chair and club volunteer. “Each year, we’ve kind of evolved and added more things to keep people entertained.”
Four Tellico Village homes were featured on the tour, with residents opening their doors to visitors. Ticket holders received maps showing the locations of the homes.
Volunteer firefighters with the Tellico Village Fire Department helped direct traffic along the narrow roads leading to the homes.
For volunteer firefighter Diane Doliana, it was her fourth year helping with the event. Despite the rain, she enjoyed the opportunity to assist visitors.
“I just love meeting people and talking to them and keeping these cars safe,” Doliana said.
Tellico Village resident Gina Madison, who has lived in the community for five years, said she enjoys seeing how other homeowners have designed and decorated their properties.
“This is my 3rd time. We’ve been here five years, and it’s always so neat to see these different homes and what they’ve done with them,” Madison said.
Club members are reviewing applications from area charities to determine how the proceeds from this year’s event will be distributed.
