Click here for the invitation to the 2010 Home Tour.

May 17 was a beautiful sunny day for the 600 enthusiastic guests who came to view the magnificent yacht and exciting homes at the 5th Annual Steel Magnolia “Style Long Beach” 2009 Home Tour. Steel Magnolia President Jackey Gray greeted guests at the reception area as they departed to enjoy a day filled with exciting homes, each quite different from one another and equally beautiful.

The magnificent 68 foot yacht, owned by Janet and Frank McCord, featured rare wood inlays, granite counters and great attention to detail. Many attendees asked, only semi-jokingly, if they could sign on as crew. “This boat is better than my home,” was also a frequently heard comment.

The homes in Belmont Heights and on the Naples Canal, are owned by Dr. Jim and Nancy Linden, Barbie Barker and Don Litterst, Lori and Greg Bozzani and Jan and Michael Leight. The homes featured diverse designs and exciting interiors ranging from an Australian Farmhouse with state-of-the art interior, a Moroccan theme, a whimsical “glass house,” to a modern home featuring superb art. It was a full day of enjoying the diversity that is Long Beach.

Participants commented that each year this event gets better. The day proved to be another wonderful success for the viewers as well as the children who are helped by the Steel Magnolias. “Because the Steel Magnolias is a completely volunteer organization, the entire profit of $32,000 will benefit the Stramski Center,” noted Chairs Julie Suares and Jacquie Wetenkamp.

During and following the Tour guests gathered at the Park Estates home of Chairman Anthony Gagliardi, where they enjoyed refreshments, a charming boutique, and entertainment by Porter Singletary.