The 14th annual Holiday Tour is scheduled for Saturday, December 8, and Sunday, December 9, and has become a highlight of St. Augustine’s “Nights of Lights†celebration. Half of the 26 B&Bs will be open Saturday, and half on Sunday, from 2 to 5 p.m. each day. Food and trolley transportation are to be included once again.
The Empty Stocking Fund will be the beneficiary of the 2007 Holiday Tour of bed and breakfast inns, St. Augustine Historic Inns (SAHI) announced today. Now in its 22nd year, the Empty Stocking Fund assists deserving and needy area families during holiday season.
In 2006, the Empty Stocking Fund assisted more than 400 families and elderly residents. “The Empty Stocking Fund is an ideal partner for our Holiday Tour,†said Jack Martin, SAHI President. “The Fund makes the holidays more enjoyable for those in need. That’s long been a primary objective of our Holiday Tour. And, it certainly is in keeping with our innkeepers’ desire to make the holiday season more enjoyable for the entire community. We cannot imagine a better fit.†The 26-member association of B&Bs hopes the 2007 Holiday Tour will raise at least $15,000 for the Empty Stocking Fund, added Martin, who along with his wife, Mia, owns Cedar House Inn Victorian Bed & Breakfast.
The Empty Stocking Fund is administered by the St. Augustine Record, which directs 100 percent of all contributions to those who are identified with the help of non-profit agencies.
“We’re very appreciative, and very excited to join with SAHI,†Derek May, publisher of The Record, said. “The support of bed and breakfast innkeepers will help the Empty Stocking Fund be of greater service to more families.†Timing is ideal, too, May also noted. The First Coast Technical Institute will host its annual fund-raising event and silent auction in the Empty Stocking Fund’s behalf Thursday, December 6. “Our collaboration should create an exciting and meaningful weekend,†May said.
Advanced tickets for the Holiday Tour of SAHI bed and breakfast inns will go on sale for $35 beginning later this summer. The 26 member bed & breakfast inns of St. Augustine Historic Inns offer more 240 unique and memorable rooms, all located within the historic district of the nation’s oldest city. For more information, visit: www.staugustineinns.com.