Holiday House Tour to Benefit Doors of Hope Transition Ministries

December brings return of popular fundraiser

by Susan Bartlett

Oxford’s most popular holiday fundraiser, the Doors of Hope Holiday House Tour, returns Saturday, December 7, 2024 with a peek into one of Oxford’s loveliest neighborhoods. As the fall semester and football season end, our town becomes our own again, becoming the perfect time to gather with family and friends. For many Oxonians, the Holiday House Tour has become a treasured holiday tradition. This year’s tour features six beautiful homes in the Cullen Road/Eagle Springs Road neighborhood decorated for the holidays.

“The Holiday House Tour signals the beginning of the holiday season for many of us. It’s also a time when people are looking for ways to give back to the community,” said fundraising chair Susan Bartlett.

Doors of Hope Transition Ministries is dedicated to guiding homeless and at-risk homeless families toward self-sufficiency and serves families with minor children in the home. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, 28% of Mississippi’s children live in poverty with 19% of those children living in families who are likely to face eviction from their homes in the near future.

“While we do offer financial assistance with rent or utilities, the heart of our work is helping families learn life skills, navigate education and employment, and improve their health,” said executive director Mary Margaret Andrews. “This is an important fundraiser for us because it funds many of those programs.”

The tree-lined Cullen Road/Eagle Springs Road neighborhood is tucked away in the perfect Oxford location and the homes on the tour feature an array of styles. “Whether designing for another family or my own, the process of creating a family home is an intensely personal experience,” said Frances Zook, an Oxford architect who designed her home, which is part of this year’s tour. “That’s why you’ll see a range of designs and aesthetics that reflect the personalities and ambitions of the homeowners. We are thrilled to open our doors to be part of the tour and support an invaluable community organization like Doors of Hope.”

Tickets can be purchased in advance on the Doors of Hope Holiday House Tour website or on location the day of the tour. Raffle items include a painting by Oxford artist Paula McLarty, a dinner date night basket with gift cards including GRIT restaurant, and a Wonderbird Spirits tasting. Parking will be at the Oxford Activity Center, 400 Price Street, with transportation provided to the home tour neighborhood. For information on accessibility, contact Doors of Hope at (662) 234-1100.

If you haven’t already become a Holiday House Tour convert, this is your opportunity to start a new holiday tradition with your family and friends!