Southern Homes and Land, along with Stuart Abel, will be hosting a fundraiser to benefit Treutlen House from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday at Mill Creek Plantation off Chimney Road.

Wendy Scott of Southern Homes and Land said Abel wanted to have a fundraiser that would benefit a group in Effingham.

“He wanted to keep it local,” she said.

She said they contacted Treutlen House about having the fundraiser, and then after beginning to plan the event, found out the Treutlen House is in need of additional funding.

“There was an emergency meeting and come to find out they’ve lost some of their state funding,” Scott said.

Treutlen House will also be “parting ways” with Morning Star, the group that currently manages the operations of the home.

“They’re going to be on their own,” Scott said. “They’re just asking the community to step up and help them. They want to keep it open for the kids.”

Scott said there will be 300-500 luminaries lighting the neighborhood, and there will be eight open houses.

“I’m contacting some of the florists and some of the decorators in the area and asking if they would like to decorate a tree in each of the model homes,” she said.

The fundraiser’s hosts will have hot drinks and refreshments available, and participants are asked to donate
$10 to tour the neighborhood. Southern Homes and Land will have eight open houses available to be toured, with a drawing at the end.

“What we’re asking people to do is donate $10 to tour the neighborhood, enjoy how beautifully lit it is,” Scott said.

Scott also hopes to have choral groups singing carols during the event.

“(It will be) a good kick off the holiday season,” she said.

Scott said there will be a drop box for personal items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, uniforms or bedding. She said there is currently not a need for paper products.

Anyone with questions should contact Wendy Scott at 661-2436, Ardra Hardtz at 220-2687 or Southern Homes and Land at 826-4663.