MARGATE — More than 600 people toured some of the Downbeach area's most impressive homes this summer while helping raise more than $122,000 to support services for older adults in Atlantic and Cape May counties.
The 37th Annual Jewish Family Service House Tour, held Aug. 3 in Margate and Longport, featured seven private residences and generated funding for The Lynn Kramer Village by the Shore, a program that helps adults age 50 and older remain independent in their own homes.
According to Jewish Family Service, the program provides services including care coordination, transportation, grocery shopping, meal delivery and social activities for more than 200 older adults throughout the region.
"Each year, the House Tour surpasses our expectations thanks to the extraordinary generosity of homeowners who open their homes to hundreds of attendees, as well as the businesses, sponsors, volunteers and staff whose dedication makes this event so memorable," said Andrea Steinberg, chief executive officer of Jewish Family Service of Atlantic and Cape May Counties.
"The funds raised will support programs and services for more than 200 older adults throughout our region," Steinberg said.
The annual fundraiser has become one of the area's signature charitable events. Since its beginnings in the 1980s, the House Tour has showcased nearly 225 private homes and welcomed thousands of visitors while raising money for community programs.
This year's tour highlighted seven distinctive homes featuring custom architecture, professionally designed interiors and unique collections. Among the home's standout features were custom dressing rooms, grass cloth wall coverings, a hidden office concealed behind a bookshelf and a portrait of Frank Sinatra created entirely from dice.
More than 135 VIP guests participated in an enhanced experience that included door-to-door transportation, gift bags and a catered lunch. Guests also bid on more than 90 silent auction items, including vacation packages, restaurant certificates, sporting event and theater tickets, jewelry, designer merchandise and wellness experiences.
In addition to the auction, attendees had opportunities to win raffle prizes that included a Hard Rock Atlantic City gift basket, restaurant packages and a Margate Bridge Downbeach Express Card.
The event was chaired by Michele Kramer Sloane, who led a committee of community volunteers. Nearly 140 volunteers assisted with the fundraiser throughout the day.
Organizers are already planning next year's House Tour, which is scheduled for Aug. 2, 2027, and are seeking homeowners interested in opening their residences for the event.
Jewish Family Service provides a wide range of social services throughout Atlantic and Cape May counties, including programs for older adults, counseling, food assistance, caregiver support and family services.
For more information about the organization or next year's House Tour, visit jfsatlantic.org.
About the Author
Karen Johnson
With over 30 years of news experience in major markets like Los Angeles, Denver, and Columbus, Karen now covers our area for South Jersey NewsBeat. She also brings her articulate and conversational news delivery to WOND radio listeners every weekday. Her background includes work with the NBC Radio Network, and she thrives in fast-paced news environments.
