Buffalo Rising Online

Sep 4th, 7:13am By Shannon McCabe

It's come time again to get out of your kitchen and into the kitchens of others! The Elmwood Village Association proudly presents the fourth year of the Tour of Kitchens. This year is especially important for the Tour of Kitchens because the current theme incorporates a goal that EVA is striving for: Going Green.

"We have chosen homes that contain kitchens with green elements in them," said Dan Leonard, Business Development Specialist for the Elmwood Village Association. "These elements include everything from energy efficient light bulbs to Energy Star products."

One unique "green" aspect on the tour this year is a countertop mosaic made entirely of recycled glass. "It's environmentally friendly and artistic at the same time," states Leonard.

The Elmwood Village Association feels that urban life is the most environmentally friendly and, in keeping with its mission, focuses on keeping Elmwood a clean, vibrant and walkable community. As part of these efforts, the EVA has recently installed Buffalo's first on-street recycling stations. These stations allow Elmwood residents and patrons to dispose of their waste responsibly.

"The tour this year compliments our mission as an organization,” Leonard said.

The Tour of Kitchens 2008 will not only showcase the current efforts of fifteen residences to be environmentally conscious, but will also show that there are plenty of ways to have a green kitchen, even on a budget.

"Something as simple as compost—that anyone can do—makes a big difference." Tour of Kitchens started in 2005 and has grown tremendously ever since. In the first year of the tour, twenty-two homes welcomed 750 attendees into their kitchens. Last year, the tour, themed “Backsplash as Art” attracted approximately 1,000 visitors to view resident-designed and crafted backsplashes in 15 different homes. The Elmwood Village Association expects the growing attendance to continue this year, especially with the theme being green.

The Tour of Kitchens 2008 will take place on Sunday, September 28th, from 11 AM to 5 PM. Proceeds from this event will help to support the efforts of the Elmwood Village Association as it continues to improve the community.

Tickets to the Tour of Kitchens are once again limited to just 1200. Advance sales begin Sept. 5 at Talking Leaves, Cosi Fini (East Aurora), Wegmans, Annie Adams, Elmwood-Bidwell Farmers Market and at elmwoodvillage.org.

Tickets cost $18 in advance and $21 the day of the event. A reception will be held for sponsors, advertisers, and homeowners the week of the event. All proceeds from the event will support programs of the Elmwood Village Association.

Newly introduced this year is a $40 patron ticket which offers special transportation and viewing privileges to attendees. Tickets can also be purchased the day of the event at the event headquarters located at Buffalo Seminary, 215 Bidwell Parkway. Attendance is limited though, so be sure to get your tickets in advance.

The Elmwood Village Tour of Kitchens would not be possible without the help of its generous sponsors. This year’s Gold Level sponsors are: Artisan Kitchens & Baths, Johnson & Sons General Contracting, and Jos. Sanders & Sons Roofing. Other generous sponsors are: B&L Wholesale supply, MJ Peterson, Taco Bell, Inc, and Mr. Steven Dietz & Mr. Eric Stenclick. Elmwood Village Association’s media sponsor is Buffalo Rising.