The annual tour of homes designed to raise funds for area charitable causes will mark its 10th anniversary later this month. The Many Faces of Reynolds Home Tour, a special project of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer of Greensboro, is set for Oct. 17. The doors of four new homes, and one revamped home from the fundraiser’s inaugural season will entice home tour participants this year.

The 10th anniversary edition will treat guests to a cruise of Lake Oconee plus a visit to five Reynolds custom homes. All have panoramic lake and golf course views and distinctive design ideas for comfortable living. The homes reflect the imagination of their owners with chef’s kitchens, family and game rooms, outdoor entertaining, master bedroom retreats and even waterfalls. Another special highlight is a return visit to a recently renovated lakeside log cabin. It was featured on the first home tour in 1999.

“The Home Tour’s success is due to our army of volunteers,” said Teresa Morris, a co-chairman of the 2009 event, in a press release. “We have been blessed by the generosity of 50 Reynolds families who have graciously opened their beautiful homes to our visitors.”

Hundreds of other neighbors volunteer their time as docents, sell tickets, park cars, direct traffic, and even captain their boats for the Tour’s famous cruise of Lake Oconee.

Membership in the church is not a requirement to help.

“Our volunteer team returns year after year because they believe in the cause and enjoy the spirit of the program.”

Danelle Borland, who is co-chairing the 10th anniversary tour, likes to measure the success of the event by what it provides the community.

“All proceeds from the program are donated directly to area outreach groups. One annual event has allowed us to assist over 20 community charities.”

Successful and popular, the tour has raised more than $200,000 for non-profit organizations in Greene and Putnam counties.

Previous beneficiaries of the fundraising effort have included area chapters of Habitat for Humanity, Circle of Love, the Greene County Christian Outreach thrift store, Putnam County Christian Outreach thrift store, senior groups, local libraries, Ferst Foundation, among other charities.

According to Cathy Heath, an event organizer, the designated charities are voted upon following each year’s event.

“We try and help lots and lots groups in need,” said Heath.

She said attendance is always on the mark, which goes a long way in helping as many organizations as possible.

“Every year, we get full attendance,” said Heath. “People just have a great time.”

Tour participants come from all over, including several who attend from out of state.

“We’ve been lucky the last several years and just had a beautiful day,” said Heath.

One of the stops on this year’s tour, a log cabin, is a familiar stop for those who attended the inaugural tour a decade ago.

“One unusual aspect is one of the homes, a log cabin, was on tour in the first year,” said Heath. “They have done extensive renovations and have added on to the log cabin.”

“We’re just so happy that people are willing to open their homes to so many people.”

The 10th anniversary Many Faces of Reynolds home tour is Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 am to 4 pm. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance. Reynolds Plantation Executive Chef Gerald Schmidt’s deli buffet lunch is available for $11, and can be purchased at the event.

For ticket information and to learn more about the charities, showcased homes and luxury prize raffle, check the Web site at www.reynoldshometour.com.