Q & A with CDM Home Tour Chair, Gina Jaha
By: Kym Whitney & Gina Jaha
The CDM Home Tour is an annual event that will take place on Tuesday, March 7th, 2023
This year’s theme, ‘Endless Possibilities, ’ highlights that everything is possible when we come together as a community and partner to achieve common goals.
We sat down with CDM Home Tour Chair Gina Jaha to get an inside look at what goes on behind the scenes of this annual fundraising event benefiting Corona del Mar High School.
When did you get involved w/ the home tour?
In 2011, over a decade ago. My good friend Wendy Braun asked me to be a docent.
Why did you decide to get involved?
I have always been involved with fundraisers, especially for my kids' schools. I love everything about fundraising for a good cause! And because my good friend needed help and asked - I said yes!
What is your role?
I am the CDM Home Tour Chair and PTA Board Member.
How long do you & your team plan and prepare for this annual event?
A good 6-7 months, but we are getting into a good groove now. Next year's planning should take less time, although it will be the 50th anniversary and we want to make it a big celebration!
Approximately how many volunteers help execute this event each year?
Approximately 15 committee members meet monthly for a few months, then weekly up to a week out of the event, and then daily. We also have around 120-140 docents for 6-7 homes on the day of the event. I couldn't do what I do without the countless hours and dedication of my team and so many volunteers on the day of the event.
Why is this event held? Who does it benefit?
This fundraiser is in its 49th year, and I wish I knew the people who started it back in 74.’
It Benefits Corona del Mar Middle and High School students by improving the classrooms, campus beautifications, technology, events for students on campus, holiday breakfasts, and luncheons for the teachers and staff, and more.
How do you find the homes for the tour?
Word of mouth, Interior designers, builders, and from our Presenting Sponsors, Tim Tamura, VALIA Properties, and Barclay Butera. There’s constant outreach on my end for about four months to secure them. I also do the walk-throughs and make the final decision on the list of homes for the tour.
Who are your main sponsors this year?
Co-Presenting Sponsors are Barclay Butera Interiors and VALIA Properties. We have Pirch as a platinum sponsor and The File Group as our gold sponsor. We have many more sponsors, and we are incredibly grateful for the support of each and every one of them.
What makes this event special?
The Cdm school student performances at Civic Center during the luncheon, the home tour-goers, the beautiful Newport Beach and Corona del Mar areas, and the stunning homes!
What do you want readers to know that they may not already know?
This year’s theme is “Endless Possibilities.” I dreamed of having all homes on the tour with ocean views. Dreams do come true! All seven homes on the CdM Home Tour 23’ have gorgeous full ocean views. I’m still pinching myself.
We sold out last year at 1400 tickets and raised around $240k for our local school and students. It feels really good to contribute in a big way.
Next year is the 50th CDM Home Tour, and I can’t wait! I’m already planning in my head for a big celebration! Stay tuned!
Don't miss the event of the year, so gather your friends together for an enjoyable and memorable day!
Details about sponsorship and volunteer opportunities and tickets can be found at www.cdmhometour.com.
Follow @cdmhomteour2023 on Instagram to keep up to date with all the news.
CDMHOMETOUR.COM | IG: @CDMHOMETOUR2023 | INFO@THECDMHOMETOUR.COM