Summerville opens homes

Event benefits Children in Crisis

Provided

In spite of the rain, umbrella-toting ticket holders pressed on from house to house along Sumter Avenue during the 2003 Scrumptious Kitchen Tour in Summerville.

If you can't stand the heat, maybe you should get IN the kitchen.

The sixth annual Scrumptious Kitchen Tour in Summerville, billed as a unique delight for the senses, is planned for Oct. 12. Although the weather will undoubtedly be cooler by then, the tour has sold out the past two years and will likely be a hot ticket again.

The tour will give patrons access to 10 beautiful homes, cottages and gardens on Sumter Avenue, Hampton Street and West 5th South Street, and will benefit Children In Crisis Inc.

Participants will sample gourmet treats prepared by premiere Lowcountry chefs, enjoy interior décor and floral arrangements prepared by area florists, and soak in the vibes of local musicians.

Children In Crisis Inc., a 501(c)3 organization which operates Dorchester Children's Center, is the only child advocacy center in the county serving abused and neglected children and their families.

In 2007, the Children's Center provided services for 752 children and their families, including forensic interviews, forensic medical examinations, and child and family therapy sessions, said Winnie Crowder, fund development coordinator for Children In Crisis.

"We are grateful to the Summerville community and the Lowcountry for embracing the Kitchen Tour and supporting the mission of Children In Crisis for six years," Kitchen Tour co-chair Lynn Harrison said.

Unique to this year's Kitchen Tour is a Children In Crisis Benefit Designer Show House at Summerville's "The Teacherage" property at 127 West 5th South St.

The show house will feature 10 rooms with Lowcountry interior designers' choices of furnishings, fabrics and accessories in keeping with the home's historic characteristics.

Tour tickets are $50 and will be available online Aug. 1. The event has sold out the past two years. Tickets include admission to the designer show house Oct. 12. A portion of the ticket price is tax deductible.

Tickets can be purchased at www.dorchesterchildrensctr.org or by calling Children In Crisis at 875-1551. Credit cards are accepted.

Individuals and businesses may also ask about sponsorship of the event. Sponsors will be invited to the Oct. 11 Sponsor's Gala at The Ponds development, and they'll receive tickets to the Kitchen Tour.

Reach Edward C. Fennell at efennell@postandcourier.com.