Nothing symbolizes the spirit of the holiday season more than neighbors opening their doors and hospitality to guests they've never met.
And if those doors open to rooms lavishly decorated for the season, that's even better.
The Cancer Support Center's Holiday House Walk, taking place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, showcases that spirit and offers some great holiday decorating ideas, said the center's Brandon Newberry.
This year's tour includes four uniquely decorated homes in Flossmoor as well as events at Flossmoor Country Club.
The last Holiday House Walk, held in 2014, saw area residents and organizations snapping up more than 200 tickets for the home tours and 130 tickets for the luncheon that followed, Newberry said.
Traditionally, the afternoon meal at Flossmoor Country Club includes an opportunity to enjoy raffles and to shop at booths set up by local vendors who support the Center.
Flossmoor resident and cancer survivor Joan Dobrez and the Women's Board of the Cancer Center conceived the idea for the House Walk and luncheon more than 15 years ago.
The 10 outings in years since have collectively generated $250,000 to help pay for programs, resources and services delivered free to participants by professional therapists, counselors, nutrition educators and experts at the center's facilities — 2028 Elm Road in Homewood and the new location in Mokena at 19657 S. LaGrange Road, Newberry said.
Tickets are $25 for the House Walk and $25 for the luncheon and can be purchased online atwww.classy.org/flossmoor/events/holiday-house-walk/e151907 and will be available at 9 a.m. Saturday at Flossmoor Country Club, 1441 Western Ave.
Founded in 1992, the Cancer Support Center is a community-based,volunteer-driven, donor-supported organization.
More information is at cancersupportcenter.org.
Dennis Sullivan is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
