A Peek at the Unique to offer tour, more
An annual fundraiser will offer a tour of island homes, along with an auction and a raffle for all.
The Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva will present its A Peek at the Unique on March 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Community House (TCH) on Sanibel. It will entail visits to four one-of-a-kind homes for “Peekers” with tickets, plus a chance for non-Peekers to take part in activities at the home base facility.
“It is our primary, and this year our only, fundraiser that we do to assist women and girls throughout Southwest Florida,” Zontian Vicki Bourdow, who is serving as event co-chair with Judy Langley, said.
This year, the club awarded $87,000 to 14 nonprofits dedicated to empowering girls and women.
“Zonta does service advocacy and funding for women’s rights and so have women have an equal and better life here in Southwest Florida,” she said.
For the home tour, Peekers will board luxury buses at TCH that depart every 30 minutes.
“We have four different homes that individuals will be touring,” Bourdow said.
This year’s featured homes are:
– Boho on the Bayou: Set back on a secluded shell road, the newly renovated home overlooks serene Dinkins Bayou and blends spacious indoor living with unforgettable views. Inside, Peekers will find three bedrooms, two baths, inviting gathering spaces and an updated kitchen — all accented by truly unique, hand-crafted decor created by the artist-owner. Step on the lanai and out onto the expansive dock for sunset “docktails” as dolphins, manatees and birds drift through the backyard sanctuary.
– Dinkins Bay: A grand sense of arrival will greet Peekers as they enter the home, designed by acclaimed architect Joseph St. Cyr, with its expansive foyer and elegant open stairway. Sunlight pours in, enriching the wood-beamed ceilings and red oak floors, and leading to an open-layout kitchen with custom cabinetry, granite surfaces and top-tier built-ins. From the multi-level screened lanai, take in the panoramic views of the landscaping, pool, spa and waterfront. From the top deck, glimpse the Gulf.
– Dixie Beach Dream: The resilient, brand-new home was completed in just five months. As Peekers walk through the masterpiece, they will be amazed at all the high-end touches that were procured on an “as-needed” basis. With very little lead time, the owners created a home that is beautifully appointed and extremely functional. While it is a concrete building and designed to withstand the worst weather, it also conveys the inviting warmth of an island retreat.
– Kaleidoscope Skies: Peekers will be greeted by a curving driveway, garden-party lawn, designed flower beds and the Emerald Lake, nestled behind Whisper Wood Cove. Inside the home, admire the island decor throughout, featuring the work of local artists like Rachel Pierce and Leoma Lovegrove, and the Lighthouse Room, Octopus Room and Katarina Tifft fireplace in the master bedroom. In the kitchen, admire the pink range. Do not miss the Mahjong room or fascinating wallpaper throughout.
“We have chosen the homes, primarily, because they do have some unique qualities to them,” she said. “Some are the actual architecture, others are because of the artwork within the home, others are the resiliency of the home — and just because they’re beautifully decorated.”
The tour tickets are $80, with a deadline to purchase of March 12.
About two dozen bus seats were available as of last week.
For those not interested in the homes, there are other ways to take part and support the cause.
At TCH home base, there will be a sealed auction and raffle with a couple dozen items up for grabs.
“We have some wonderful trips, we have beautiful artwork,” Bourdow said. “There’s items from many of the local retail businesses throughout Sanibel. We have provided baskets. Some of our members have made items.”
“Something for everyone,” she added.
Entry and participation is free and open to the community.
“We have minimum a bid, but it is completely closed,” Bourdow said of the auction.
The bidding will close at about 2 p.m.
“And we will have a couple of our partners there,” she said.
Community Housing & Resources (CHR) and FISH of Sanibel-Captiva will be on site to provide information about the organizations. In addition, attendees are encouraged to bring donations.
Bourdow said CHR is seeking items for its welcome baskets for new residents or cash donations. FISH is looking for canned goods, paper products, and peanut butter and jelly, along with cash donations.
For ticketed Peekers, Pinocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream is sponsoring provided light bites that will be available at home base, and Bank of the Islands is sponsoring bottled water that will be supplied.
The public in encouraged to secure a bus seat or stop by TCH for the auction or raffle.
“It’s the highlight of the season. Everyone looks forward to A Peek at the Unique to see the beautiful homes,” she said. “And they’re making a contribution to the lives of women and girls in Southwest Florida.”
For tickets or more information, visit https://zontasancap.org/peek/.
The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
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IF YOU GO
What
A Peek at the Unique
Who
Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva
When
March 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where
The Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
Details
Tickets are $80