Contact:                                                                                      

Paula Moran, Executive Director, 330-535-1120

paula@summithistory.org
 Janis Worley, PR Chair, 330-650-5009
Worleybird98@hotmail.com

SUMMIT COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANNOUNCES RETURN OF FAMILY HOLIDAY EVENT; PARTNERS WITH LOCAL CHARITIES

Most adults today can remember a time when a trip to see elaborately decorated department store windows was a family holiday tradition. The Summit County Historical Society also remembers that time, and is continuing that family tradition with a twist.

This family holiday occasion, Home for the Holidays, A Truly Designer Event, returns to the Summit County Historical Society for its second year, allowing you to visit the historic Perkins family home richly decorated in the latest design themes for the holidays.  

Held on the grounds of the Summit County Historical Society, located at 465 South Portage Path on the corner of Copley Road, the Perkins Stone Mansion and Wash House will be transformed for the holidays by local professionals of historic and contemporary interior design. Designers are not limited to historic themes, so this is an excellent opportunity to see the latest creative styles in holiday design and to discover some unique and distinctive ideas for use in your own home.  

To add to the holiday merriment, each Interior Designer will be decorating their room on behalf of a local charitable organization. After touring the home, each guest will have the chance to vote for their favorite room. At the conclusion of Home for the Holidays the room with the most votes will win 10% of the event proceeds - a wonderful way for any charity to wrap up the holidays!

In addition, special events will be held throughout the month featuring carolers, a visit from Santa on Saturday December 8, 2007 and more that you won't want to miss.  

Participating Designers and their Designated Charities are as follows:

Pamela Bayer, Pamela Bayer Interiors, on behalf of MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute of Ohio and the Jesse Blake Foundation,

Robin Brechbuhler, Brechbuhler Interior Design Ltd., on behalf of Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary,

Janice Mosko, Greenbriar Florist, on behalf of Access, Inc.- an emergency shelter for homeless women and children,

Jennifer McCool, Jennifer McCool Interior Design, on behalf of Ian Healy Kidney Fund,

Winnie Leenaarts, Pam's Posies, Cystic Fibrosis Center at Akron Children's Hospital,

Cindy Pastoria, Cindy Pastoria Designs, on behalf of Akron Children's Hospital,

Jim Pesce, James Pesce Designs, on behalf of Mental Health America of Summit County,

Brian Reeder, Reeder Architects & Interior Design, on behalf of Kiwanis K-Kids,

Diane Blinn, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, on behalf of itself,

Lynne Dowling, Libby Upton, Yellow Creek Trading Company, on behalf of the Alzheimer's Association.

Event hours are November 2-December 22, 2007; Wednesdays through Saturdays 1 to 4 p.m., closed Thanksgiving week. Event tickets are purchased at the door, and cost $7 per adult, $1 for children 12 and under, Seniors and groups of 10 or more $5 per adult. Parking is free.

Home for the Holidays will be holding a Patron Preview Party on Thursday, November 1, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. at the Perkins Stone Mansion. Attendees will have the first peek at the finished decorations and will enjoy musical entertainment, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and desserts. The public is invited to attend; tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased by calling the SCHS at 330-535-1120.  

Founded in 1924, the Summit County Historical Society is a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Their mission is to preserve and interpret the history of Summit County and Akron, and to educate regional communities about the people and events that have shaped our rich history. To learn more about the Summit County Historical Society please call 330-535-1120 or visit the web site at www.summithistory.org.

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Pamela is invited to decorate the Wash House for the second year, this time using the theme, "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas."