By: Kym Whitney and Karen Taylor

Q & A with Newport Harbor Home and Garden Tour Co-Chair Karen Taylor

When is this year’s home tour?

May 11, 2023

What does the money raised from the home tour go towards?

The money raised goes to the Newport Harbor Educational Foundation to fund technology support, such as classroom calculators, online academic resources, special cameras for live stream video and software for film/tv students, scanners, and various iPad teaching apps. Additionally, the money is used for academic support such as math labs held in the morning and afternoons and after-school tutoring taught by UCI students. Lastly, various student programs such as career mentoring, out-of-area science field trips, and the annual Evening of the Arts show are held at NHHS each spring.

In 1995 the Navigators (a group of Dads from NHHS) formed the Newport Harbor Educational Foundation to raise extra funds needed to help make NHHS the top-notch school that it is. They began with a golf tournament that went for many years and then Tim Hogan, one of the dads, came up with the idea of a home tour. CDM started their tour many years before us – and were gracious enough to help get started. Traditionally their tour is held in October and ours in May.

How much money is raised each year?

Fortunately, over the years, the tour has grown and is now more of a community event. Attendees come from all over, not just here in Newport Beach. Last year we raised $168,000.

Who are your primary sponsors this year?

Barclay Butera is our presenting sponsor again this year. We can’t thank him enough for his continued support.

We are also very fortunate to have a wonderful group of Compass real estate agents as our Realty Sponsor this year. Cari Young, Ben Pinel, Annie Clougherty, Grant Bixby, Jaime Weber, and Dylan Mason, and Mark Taylor have all come together to support our efforts.

How long have you been involved with the home tour?

I started out as a hostess in a home when my son was in 5th grade. I believe I am going on 20 years now! I have performed most of the jobs on the committee – and have chaired or co-chaired for 12 or 13 years. Pam Hardenbergh and I are in our 9th year together! Gina Donald, another past chair, is invaluable to us as the Designer Liaison. She works closely with many of the designers in our area and always knows who has the best projects!

Have there been any celebrity sightings at past home tours?

Yes, every year, we see Barclay Butera! We consider him a local celebrity. He has been a huge supporter of both our home tour and Corona del Mar’s tour. Barclay is our Presenting Sponsor again this year and always hosts a fabulous after-party.

Can people get involved with the home tour?

Yes! We are always looking for new parents and community members to join our team. There is a volunteer tab on our website with a form to fill out, or those who are interested can call the Newport Harbor Educational Foundation (949-646-1556) and let Kristin know you would like to help. Pam and I eventually need to pass the torch!

We are also always looking for boutique vendors to participate in the event. Attendees look forward to shopping because it’s not only a way to support our students but also local businesses.

Lastly, there are opportunities to be a sponsor and/or advertiser.

Explain how the tour day unfolds

There is a morning reception to stop by for coffee and a light bite from 9 am until 10:30 am. The homes are open for viewing starting at 10 am until 3 pm. A luncheon is held at the Newport Theatre Arts Center from 11 am until 2 pm and our incredible vendors are there from 10 am until 2:30 pm. There is a fun after-party from 2 pm until 5 pm held at Barclay Butera at 1745 Westcliff Drive.

All of the event details are included on the ticket, which can be purchased in the following stores: Barclay Butera Interiors, Fleur de Lys, Molly Wood Garden Design, Roger’s Gardens, and Where’s The Party? Note: Tickets are sold out on the Newport Harbor Home Tour website.

Hurry, they will sell out! The ticket price is $100 and $110 after April 28th.