New Canaan CARES' Kitchen and Home Tour features boutique

For more than 20 years, New Canaan CARES' Kitchen and Home Tour has been an anticipated annual fundraising event, drawing visitors from Fairfield County and beyond.

In addition to the eight homes lined up this year, which takes place on Thursday, May 9, the Tour Boutique is back.

At the boutique, a variety of vendors will set up shop at one of the tour homes. Fifteen percent of each vendor's sales will be donated to CARES.

The vendors include April Marin's Wraps, Bonnie Jennifer Jewelry, East End Foodies, Charlie & Grace, Gingerbitz Cookies, Stella and Dot (with Gerrie Musicco), Suzanne Einstein Collections, MBellish, and Scout Bags from Preppy Player.

The tour, CARES' largest fundraiser, will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the $60 tickets may be purchased online at www.newcanaancares.org. Patron tickets, beginning at $100, are also on sale now and can be purchased online.

Patron ticket-holders are automatically entered into a drawing for a special Tour Parking Pass, spring dress jacket by local designer Skirtin' Around, two complimentary gourmet boxed lunch tickets or a $30 certificate to the tour boutique. These tickets are also delivered two weeks prior to regular tickets, giving patron ticket-holders a sneak peek at the homes on the tour.

The ticket guidebook includes a map of the tour and a detailed overview of each home. A tour route is given. However, guests are invited to follow the tour in any order.

For information, call 966-7862 or visit www.newcanaancares.org.