Over 1000 people turned out on Dec 1 & 2, to support the return of the Holly Days Home Tour hosted by Punta Gorda Garden Club.  This event is the primary fundraiser which allows PGGC to present scholarships to Charlotte County students and to fund local gardening and environmental projects, such as Peace River Wildlife Center, ECHO Farms, Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens, and Crossroads Hope Academy.  This year we were thankful to raise over $31,000 to donate to these projects and scholarships.  Click here to see our projects.

The over 75 talented and creative volunteers and members of the club did a fantastic job of making this years theme, Christmas Carols, come alive at four homes in the historic district.  Many attendees went home with beautiful decorations, gifts, and arrangements made with natural materials.  The spirit of the holidays was in the air with guests from as far away as Sarasota and Lakeland.  The community expressed delight with the return of the home tour after a 4 year hiatus due to CoVid and Hurricane Ian.  Apparently, for many this is a traditional start to their holiday festivities; and we were happy to oblige. We missed it, too!

The poinsettias from American Farms in Naples were gorgeous as always. Thank you to Alfred, our delivery driver, who patiently and expertly maneuvered a semi truck down two very narrow streets.

Charlotte Preparatory School Youth Choir put on a wonderful mini-concert of carols on Saturday Dec 2. They made spirits bright with their beautiful singing and smiling faces. PGGC so appreciated their outreach to our community; it was truly a gift for all.

Click here to see video clips of the concert.

Thanks to Bruce Tompkins and his photography assistant, Dorrit, for capturing the spirit of the event in this fantastic video produced by Bruce.

https://youtu.be/uILUHXwGab4

Thank you to everyone who participated in the tour - homeowners, neighbors, attendees, volunteers, photographers, journalists, Charlotte Prep Youth Choir, MT Custom Cups, The Perfect Caper, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce, and of course, PGGC members (and their significant others). We are grateful for the support of the entire community; and, we look forward to return in 2024.  Mark your calendars now:  December 6-7, 2024.

                                  “Silver Bells” at 413 W. Retta Esplanade

                                      “White Christmas” at 724 Palm Ave

                                “The Christmas Song” at 724 W. Olympia Ave

                   “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” at 212 Durrance St