Junior Woman's Spring House Tour a 'True Community Event'

Ever want to see what backsplash that gorgeous house on the corner has in their kitchen? Thinking maybe the interior design of your home is getting a little stale and could use some spice? Clear your calendar on Thursday, May 12 and turn the GPS on – there are five homes in Ridgewood and Ho-Ho-Kus that are opening doors to you. And it's all for charity.

The Ridgewood Junior Woman's Club will be hosting the 14th Annual Spring House Tour on Thursday with proceeds to be given to 26 local charities, including The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation, Camp Sunshine and the Valley Therapy Center on Goffle Road.

"It's a great day out. Take a break for yourself to enjoy the day and give back to charity. Pretty much every cent of your ticket goes to charity," said Tricia Mueller of the Junior Woman's Club.

"We all like to look through other people's homes for decorating ideas. It's a great day out. People can take their mothers out for Mother's Day, hang out with their friends," Mueller said.

The five homes throughout Ho-Ho-Kus and Ridgewood were selected by JWC tour co-chairs Kristen Plumley and Nicole Lui, and represent a wide variety of architectural and decorating styles. The Ridgewood Giuld's Tony Damiano, owner of Mango Jam, will be showing off table trends in three of the homes (complete with merchandise from the gift shop). Additionally, Tom Vielbig of Backyard Living will be furnishing one homeowner's porch for the Tour day, the JWC says.

With all the walking and gawking, attendees are encouraged to stop and take a little break for lunch, Meuller said. Natalie's, The Daily Treat, The Village Green, It's Greek to Me and Cafe Amici in Ho-Ho-Kus will all be offering specials to diners, she said.

Junior Woman's Club President Andrea Falco called the day a "true community event." She added that "Signature Sponsor" Tarvin Realtors underwrites the cost of printing, so more money can go to the charities on Thursday.

The Junior Women reported that 2010's House Tour featured over 1,000 attendees and raised $40,000 for charity, a number the organization is looking to match if not exceed. Falco thanked the five homeowners for opening their homes as well as the greater Ridgewood community for its support and participation.

“Joining us on the Tour is always a wonderful day with friends, spent touring inspiring homes and helping to raise money for local charities,” she said in a statement.

Tickets for the tour are $40 per person and can be found on the JWC website and are similarly available at Karma Organic Spa, Happy Tuesday, Mango Jam, Town and Country, Goffle Brook Farm and The Woman's Club of Ridgewood. The tour runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.