Holiday Home Tour Benefits Door CANcer

DOOR CANcer Inc. was established in 1997 to help people with financial assistance while dealing with cancer. The first fundraiser we had was at Christmas time, and businesses decorated wreaths to be auctioned off.

From 1997 to the end of 1998, we helped eight people with a total of a little more than $3,000. We knew we had to raise more money to carry out our mission, therefore we started the Holiday Home Tour in 1998.

It has been successful, but did not meet all of the needs of the community we serve, so we put our thinking caps on and did chili cook-offs, brat fries, helped with golf tournaments and sold Christmas ornaments. Our major fundraiser, Spring Fling, is held at Stone Harbor Resort & Conference Center the first Friday in May.

As they are every year, the 2013 Holiday Home Tour homes are great. The event takes place 10 am – 4 pm on Saturday, Dec. 7. The homes include:

• Jeff Oko, 3995 Snake Island Road, Sturgeon Bay. Northern Territory decorated the home Oko designed. Large carved wood sculptures are a must-see. The furnishings make you feel like you are in a lodge in Alaska; surely, a man’s dream lodge.

• Dr. James and Lisa Heise, 620 S. 17th Place, Sturgeon Bay. When we asked the Heises if they would be interested in being on the Holiday Home Tour, James jumped at it before Lisa could say anything. James loves Christmas and surely will make it very delightful for all to see.

• Dr. Shaun and Sue Melarvie, 4081 Shoreside Drive, Sturgeon Bay. Besides the two-story living room and a gourmet kitchen, they have a gym, media room, brewing kitchen, and so much more; even a cave for their nephews to play in. The design and decorating of the home has all been done by Sue, with Shaun’s help.

• Fred and Jane Reeves, 3803 Whitefish Bay Road, Sturgeon Bay. The Reeves purchased an old garage on Whitefish Bay Road and have turned it into a beautiful family “gathering place.” Fred is from England and Jane from the area. They met competing at the Boston Marathon in the late ’80s and fell in love. The Gathering Place has an English pub, kitchen, guest rooms and rec area with that touch of England’s atmosphere. The Reeves’ have a village collection with cobblestone fences, train station, and it resembles the town he grew up in.

• Greg and Mary Anderson, 4810 Bark Road, Sturgeon Bay. Mary’s family purchased a cottage from Fred Peterson, and her family had many years of memories there. Mary spent most of her life in Oregon and upon retirement, she and Greg decided to move back to Door County. They tore down the cottage and built a beautiful home on the shores of Lake Michigan. Their home is indescribable and needs to be seen to capture the beauty. Also included, a guesthouse and little barn for you to enjoy some hot cider.

An Invitation Pass can be purchased in advance at Cut Hut, Bliss, Pioneer Credit Union, Baylake Bank (main branch in Sturgeon Bay), Associated Bank (main branch), Touch of Class Beauty Salon, Renard’s Cheese, Clippers Mate, or at any of the homes on the day of the tour.

DOOR CANcer has helped an average of 40 people per year. This year alone we have assisted more than 60 people and have provided more than $100,000 in financial assistance. We are very grateful for all who have helped us raise money for DOOR CANcer.

For more information contact Barb Herdina at 743.8492 or MaryLu Norton at 823.2433. For more about Door CANcer visit doorcancer.com.