BY EILEEN OAKS
The Watershed Foundation Marketing and Outreach Specialist

LAKE TIPPECANOE —Blue skies, low humidity and a slight breeze set the scene as 29 boats filled with 250 people took to the lake for the fifth Lake Tippecanoe Cottage Tour fundraiser benefiting The Watershed Foundation.

The tour is one of many events put on by TWF to raise funds and awareness for our lakes. “There’s a special community created by the lakes- that without them being healthy wouldn’t exist,” said Lyn Crighton, TWF executive director. “This event brings people together and represents lake life to the fullest!”

The tour featured five homes generously opened for the day. Tom and Bobette Snyder’s remodeled and expanded historical home, originally built in 1903, which formerly served as a small summer retreat next to the Stoney Ridge Hotel. Dan and Nancy White’s celebratory home built after Nancy’s successful battle against cancer. Kevin and Mariann McClamroch’s sunlit remodeled summer cottage. The twin red “Chummies,” built in 1915 and owned by Krisce Meyers , as well as Tom and Jane Needham’s “piece of paradise” with expansive views.

“I just wanted to let you know our boat had a fantastic time!” said tour participant Barb Reed. “I think this was the best tour ever. We enjoyed talking to the owners that were on site.  It was so much fun and I loved all of the homes. No problems even once with other boats, and the kids all did a great job!“

This tour was made possible by the amazing efforts of 32 volunteers and support from 71 generous business or organization sponsors. Special thanks to Marquee Sponsors, Main Channel Marina and The Village at Winona. For a complete list of sponsors, visit our website at www.WatershedFoundation.org.

The nearly perfect day concluded with a “Tapas and Tequila” party at the Tippecanoe Lake Country Club’s Tiki Bar with live music and live and silent auctions. The Tippy Cottage Tour event brought in $28,583 from sponsorships, ticket sales, and auction sales — including an original wood block print created by local artist Lisa Van Meter.

TWF is planning its first Winona Cottage Tour Saturday, Sept. 9, with seven diverse homes.