Valencia resident Sue Smyth’s first experience with the Holiday Home Tour League began in 1983 as a tour volunteer for one of the beautifully decorated homes. Since then, she has served several roles, including the organization’s president, home chair-person, and home coordinator.

“It’s very gratifying to support the hospital, but more than that, it’s the people I’ve met as fellow volunteers and the homeowners, too,” Smyth said. “It’s been a thrill for me to bring knowledge of the hospital and its women’s services to the community.”

Each year, the Holiday Home Tour offers the community an opportunity to see three to four Santa Clarita Valley homes, often custom estates, elaborately decorated for the holiday season by professional designers. A black tie gala, held the night before the Home Tour, offers guests a sneak preview of the homes during the evening hours when the glow from lights create a beautiful festive scene.

A fun and festive holiday boutique is also held the day of the Home Tour and offers shoppers unique, hand-crafted Christmas, Hanukah, and Kwanzaa gifts. Last year the festival included close to 40 vendors and crafters! 

Current Holiday Home Tour president and Stevenson Ranch resident Barbara Sanguinetti cherishes being part of the popular local holiday tradition. She joined the organization in 2005.

“Many community members have told me how much they love getting together with their friends for the Home Tour, then going out for lunch and shopping at the Home Tour boutique,” Sanguinetti said. “It’s a delightful holiday tradition and a really meaningful fundraiser for our community.”

Since its inception, the Holiday Home Tour League has raised over $700,000 for women’s services at Henry Mayo, purchasing vital, state-of-the-art equipment and helping to expand services. Currently, the efforts of the Home Tour League will benefit the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), scheduled to open in 2011.

As an all-volunteer organization, the Holiday Home Tour League welcomes new members to join at any time of the year; annual dues are $30. “The nice thing about Home Tour is that anyone can get involved as little or as much as they wish,” Sanguinetti said.

Whatever role a volunteer chooses to play, it’s an important one, according to Smyth. “We serve as goodwill ambassadors for the hospital, bringing knowledge and awareness of the great care they provide to our family and friends. It’s a real community service,” she said.

For more information on the Henry Mayo Holiday Home Tour League, call (661) 253-8051 or visit www.henrymayo.com