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2 minute read
Kitchen
Kapers Tour marks 25 years of success
The tour is also designed to provide information on how the kitchen renovations were done. Pema’s kitchen has an English country style that was assembled from a detailed wish list. She credits builder Tom Sampson, architect Jerry Schultz and designer Carolyn Fulwider for turning her dream kitchen into a reality.
Gina Rancitelli, a member of the Kitchen Kapers team, says guests should expect to see some amazing kitchens, and hopefully find some inspiration for remodeling their own homes.
“These are kitchens that have just been remodeled by top remodelers and builders in the city, so they’re using the latest, state-of-the-art equipment, cabinetry and stoneware,” says Rancitelli. “The biggest thing we want people to come away with is new ideas that can help to possibly furnish their new kitchens.”
A Quarter-Century of Commitment
Riverside Methodist Hospital Service Board VII started in 1987 with only a few women in the group. The first Kitchen Kapers Tour offered tickets for $5 and featured five kitchens. That year, less than $1,000 was raised, but the organization has seen tremendous growth since.
The group now has more than 60 active members. Last year’s event raised $51,000, a number the board hopes to exceed this year. Jessica Holstine, former marketing and communications manager for the OhioHealth Foundation, says Kitchen Kapers has raised more than $400,000 during the last 25 years.
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“This is one of our highest grossing events to benefit the foundation through the course of any year,” says Holstine. “We’re so proud to have Kitchen Kapers as a partner. They put in so much work and dedicate so much of their time to benefit all of our patients and families.”
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To demonstrate how far the organization has come, each home on this year’s tour will display a storyboard featuring kitchens from previous events.
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“We have captured over 100 homes that have been on tour since the beginning,” says Cullman. The storyboards will include facts about the homes and their owners, and highlight businesses that have supported the organization.
To help the Kitchen Kapers Tour raise money for the program, numerous organizations have joined the cause. The Koffel Law Firm is the official sponsor for the event, and news anchor Ellie Merritt of NBC4 is serving as the honorary spokeswoman for the second year in a row.
There is also an extensive list of participating restaurants and florists. Rancitelli says the vendors will offer unique centerpieces and foods to be placed in each home.
“It helps us because they’re donating their time and effort to our great cause,” says Rancitelli. “And it just makes it that much more fun for the guests.”
While the Kitchen Kapers team aims to inspire each guest, the true importance is in the money it raises for Riverside Methodist Hospital Cancer Services.
Presale tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased at Huffman’s Market or Chocolate Café, as well as online at www.kitchenkapers.org.
On the day of the event, tickets will be available for $25 at each home.
Rose Davidson is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at laurand@city scenemediagroup.com.
Featured Kitchens:
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The Brown Residence
2480 Coventry Rd.
The Jones Residence
2023 Collingswood Rd.
The Payne Residence
2611 Clarion Ct.
The Brown Residence
4899 Old Bridge Rd.
The Pema Residence
2230 Cambridge Blvd.
The Gomez Residence
2261 Oxford Rd.
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