One on One with April Dmytrenko
By Gina Dostler
The Jack & Jill Guild home tour in support of Children’s Hospital of Orange County consists of stunning views, wonderful gardens and lovely art. The self-guided tour takes place Nov. 20 and includes a gift boutique. Over 53 years, the organization cumulatively has raised over $5 million. Tour promoter April Dmytrenko concedes raising about $150,000 annually is hard work, but she’s worked passionately on behalf of ailing children since 2010.
Q: How long has Jack & Jill Guild been fundraising for CHOC?
A: Since 1962 we have been committed to CHOC Children’s vision from the very beginning and that is to “provide the resources necessary to nurture, advance and protect the health and well-being of children.” We are an all-volunteer group with over 100 members and over 13,000 volunteer hours per year. One of our main fundraising events is the holiday home tour and gift boutique. This is our 44th annual event showcasing three magnificent homes with stunning views, creative designs, and unique living spaces.
Q: What makes these homes unique living spaces?
A: The homes are beautiful, spacious homes made unique by their owners in various ways. The home we call “A Grand Estate” is 8,000 square feet and poses a dramatic view when you enter the foyer. To the right of the vaulted custom inlaid travertine entry is an imposing staircase outlined with a decorative wrought iron banister that meets the upstairs balcony, encircling the foyer where a crystal chandelier hangs above it all. It’s not something you get to see every day.
Q: Where are the homes located?
A: Two are in North Tustin and both have incredible views. And the other is in Orange Park Acres with lavish gardens. The “I Can See Forever” house is a contemporary retreat designed to reflect the serenity and calmness of the surrounding hillsides and offers expansive views from almost every room. The entertainment area of the home captures a 180-degree view of Saddleback Mountain on one side with city lights on the other. Our “Home Again” house features gardens with numerous water features and a pitch and putt for family fun. These homes also have many fine art and architectural features that make them unique.
Q: What are some of the features?
A: Tinnie Grewal’s “ I Can See Forever” house showcases many paintings from the international art camps she hosts that sponsors well-known, accomplished artists from India to come to the United States for creative workshops. Grewal is a board member of the UCI Art Department and you can see her strong commitment to the arts throughout her home. One of the other homes has an office wing that is richly appointed with rare South African mahogany, while several of the walls are finished with Venetian plaster. At the same home, Lahaina sculptor Frederick Hart can be seen throughout.
Q: Do any of the homes have a special story?
A: All of them have many features that house their own story. But the “Home Again” house was newly restored after a hot water line under the kitchen island had broken while the owners were on vacation last year February. It poured out for days, but the 5,300-square foot home was sealed so tightly there was no evidence outside of the flood taking place inside. Everything sat in four inches of water and due to a rain forest effect, caused by rising stream and dripping water, left the home nearly destroyed. The interior was considered a 98% total loss. After 15 months of restoration, the owners were able to finally return home. You can see pictures showing the water damage and can compare them with the newly restored area.
Q: What are the details for the tour?
A: Tickets are available online until Nov. 19 and run $50. That includes a boxed lunch if bought before the event. They can be purchased at a variety of locations, the addresses are located on our website at jackandjillguild.org. More details of the homes can be found at the website as well. The event takes place Nov. 20 and the homes are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last entry into the home at 4:30 p.m.
Q: And the boutique?
A: It’s open to the public for free and is located at Tustin Area Community Center, 300 Centennial Way in Tustin where over 40 vendors will have items for sale. It’s also an important part of the fundraising since 20 percent of the sales go to CHOC Children’s. Lunch is served there between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Q: Where do all your proceeds go?
A: We want to touch every child with the money we raise. All our proceeds from the fundraisers go to the radiology department. CHOC has the only imaging facility in Orange County that specializes in the needs of children. This department plays a critical role in the diagnosis and treatment of nine out of 10 patients at CHOC.
CONTACT INFORMATION
April Dmytrenko
Jack & Jill Guild of CHOC Children’s
jackandjillguild@hotmail.com
jackandjillguild.org
