2020 Fact Sheet
The Mission Statement of Tweeds Holiday Home Tour, Inc. is to raise funds for the Greater Teller County nonprofit organizations that foster art, culture, human services, environmental stewardship or sports and recreation. Revenues will be generated by producing an impressive, high quality tour event that positively showcases the Greater Teller County area and its talents, creativity and community commitment. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Quote from an online survey: “Great event, especially considering the circumstances with COVID. All volunteers were so helpful and made sure the homes were safe but still so fun. Loved the recipe cards handed out at the homes.”
It was a year like no other. In July our Steering Committee made the decision to proceed with the annual Home Tour using all the precautions and advice available to us. Armed with bottles of hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, disposable gloves, distancing regulations and a plethora of COVID signage, our homeowners and volunteers vowed to make the best of a very difficult situation. We knew our beneficiaries needed financial support more than ever. Our motto was “Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...it's about learning to dance in the rain!”
In early September we submitted a plan to Teller County Public Health. We received some very helpful advice and proceeded to act on the recommendations. Later in the month we received a City of Woodland Park COVID-19 Relief Fund Grant. Thanks to this grant we were able to produce a virtual tour for those who were not be able to attend. It can be viewed by going to our website at https://www.wphht.org/
As predicted by the Steering Committee, we did not have record-breaking statistics. In person attendance was 282 compared to 719 in 2019. However, a total of 29 businesses continued to support the Tour through either cash or in-kind sponsorships. Twenty-one individuals supported the mission by becoming Friends of the Tour. A Steering Committee of 13 volunteers served as organizers. Each venue had a Project Team consisting of the Owner(s), Holiday Designer(s) and a Venue Coordinator; many more local residents served as Hosts, musicians, etc. at each location.
We prepared 250 Gift Bags, compliments of IREA, containing COVID-19 literature. These handy bags gave attendees a place for their Tour Guide, tickets and recipe cards. They were distributed at our Keller Williams Hospitality House and Tweeds Fine Furnishings, our Presenting Sponsor.
Andersen Pack ‘N Ship graciously agreed to print 250 recipe cards for each venue. The recipes are provided by each homeowner and Keller Williams Clients’ Choice Realty. And we reduced cost by re-designing our tickets and gift bags and modifying our publicity.
The final result: net proceeds totaled $10,606 compared to $11,850 in 2019. Each year the Home Tour retains 10% to provide replacement items as needed such as light pole banners. The balance was distributed to our 2020 Beneficiaries ~ Habitat for Humanity of Teller County, Teller Senior Coalition, Ute Pass Symphony Guild, Woodland Park Players and Woodland Park Senior Organization.