Tours for Hope coming soon

This story has been edited to correct one reference of the sponsoring bank. The article was correct with other references. The Southeast Missourian regrets the error.

In the spirit of opening arms and homes to foster children, the Tours for Hope featuring five homes in Southeast Missouri to benefit Hope for One More will make its debut April 28.

Realtor Lori Fowler said she and realtor Becky Harding reached out to the five homeowners and they were "gracious enough" to volunteer their homes and partner with Area Properties Real Estate -- River Region for the cause, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

She said the homeowners' main thing is getting their homes ready to be viewed by the public, which she noted is "not a small task."

"Everybody's kind of excited," Fowler said, who noted Kristy Robison is a local designer participating.

"She already has an interesting flair to her home," Fowler said.

Fowler said all the homes have unique characteristics, making them interesting for anybody who might want to view varying styles or find ideas for their home.

Fowler also said they've been fortunate to join forces with First Missouri State Bank and Red Letter Communications for the event.

Both companies are sponsors and "quite involved" with the planning, she said, noting Red Letter Communications assisted with "a portfolio of things" for the Hope House and rebranded the not-for-profit.

"They've also designed some things for the Hope event tours as well, so they've been great," Fowler said.

Fowler said the focus of the event is to raise awareness and funds for Hope for One More, a local-based organization dedicated to providing foster care and advocacy services to displaced children throughout the area.

The proceeds from Tours for Hope will benefit the Hope House in Jackson, as well, she said.

"Some people know the Hope House and some know Hope for One More, which kind of does more than just the Hope House. It does several things regarding foster care and advocacy," Fowler said.

Harding said she and Fowler wanted to be part of Tours for Hope because of the need to raise money and awareness for foster care in the community.

"Hope Children's Home comes under the umbrella of Hope for One More, and they do many more things than people really understand," Harding said. "They have the Treasure Chest downtown where parents can go in and get clothes, car seats and furniture."

Hope for One More, founded in 2010 by doctors Paul and Dawn Caruso, also awards grants so children can participate in sports, musical and art activities, Harding said,

She said foster care parents don't receive much money from the state, which is where the Hope for One More steps in.

"We're planning on having it every other spring, the last Saturday before May, to kick off Foster Care Awareness Month," Harding said.

Tickets are $25 and may be purchased online at facebook.com/hopeforonemore, or can be purchased at Area Properties Real Estate, First Missouri State Banks in Cape Girardeau and Jackson and Hope for One More at 118 N. Main St.

jhartwig@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3632

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Houses participating in Tours for Hope

• Ken and Sharon Mueller

1636 Helmsdale, Cape Girardeau, Mo 63701

• Dr. Matthew Shoemaker and Erin Wilson

290 Greystone Ridge, Jackson, MO 63755

• Dr. Paul and Kristy Robison

1342 Ashland Hills Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

• Paul and Casie Mills

335 Monterra, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

• Bob and Barb Denton

3073 State Highway 25, Jackson, MO 63755