UpDate - Vol. 13, No. 35, Page 11
June 23, 1994
House tour benefits college scholarship fund

     For nearly 10 years, area residents have been welcoming strangers
into their homes, all to benefit the college of Human Resources Alumni
Association (HRAA).
     Gladys Helm, Delaware '41 '64M, co-chairperson of the HRAA House
Tour Committee, said alumni wanted to initiate a program that would
raise money for the college's scholarship fund.
     "We all enjoyed attending house tours and kitchen shows. We
wondered why we couldn't do a house tour for our own organization,"
she said.
     Over the years since 1985, the annual HRAA House Tour has become
increasingly popular to alumni and members of the community.
     More than 200 people participated in this year's tour, held April
24. Twelve homes in the Newark and Elkton area were featured and the
tour raised $3,500 for the HRAA scholarship fund.
     "The first year we passed out a sheet of paper with a map and
addresses," Helm recalled. "We now produce a booklet with sketches and
detailed descriptions of each home." The sketches are made by interior
design students, who donate the originals to the participating
homeowners.
     Homes are chosen for historical significance and architectural or
decorative appeal. "We choose all different kinds of homes," Helm
said. "Some homeowners are antique dealers, interior decorators or
just have done interesting things with their homes."
     The 1994 effort raised almost $2,000 more than in past years.
Perhaps the biggest contribution came from Dana Pizzala, whose desktop
publishing greatly reduced printing costs.
     Pizzala is the daughter of Victoria Pizzala, Delaware '41, who
also devoted time and money to the tour. Paper for the brochures was
donated by the Curtis Division of the James River Paper Co.
     Helm said the homeowners are enthusiastic and many of them serve
as tour guides, some in period costume. Three or four alumni also are
on hand at each home. For example, the 15-year-old son of Robert and
Jayne Foard donned his prom tuxedo to serve as a butler and host at
their home in Chesapeake City, Md.
     "We had no idea he would do this. He really stole the show," Helm
said.
     The committee has found over the years that it is best to limit
the number of people touring homes (about 200) and the number of homes
on the tour (10-12). The homes also need to be located close together
to ensure that participants get to visit all the featured homes.
     Proceeds benefit two $1,000 scholarships for incoming College of
Human Resources freshmen, as well as assistance for an alumni room in
Alison Hall.
     "That is an important project to our alumni," according to Susan
McLaughlin, assistant dean of the College of Human Resources, who
participated as a tour guide this year. "We wanted to have a place not
just where we could hold alumni functions, but where students and
faculty could get together for various activities, from presenting
papers to informal gatherings," she said.
     On June 9, Helm, co-chairperson Mimi Haggerty, Delaware '64, and
Cathy Creamer, Delaware '71, president of HRAA, presented the proceeds
from this year's tour-a check for $3,500 to Dene Klinzing, dean of the
College of Human Resources.
     "It's been a successful event beyond the money that's been
raised," McLaughlin said. "The alumni really enjoy the tour, and it
provides a nice activity for alumni and the community."
                                                      -Chris Keirstead