General FAQs
How many homes will be on this year's tour?
The live tour will feature five fabulously decorated homes throughout Greater Akron. Sponsors are also invited to the private Patron Party after the tour. The virtual tour will feature professionally filmed tours of seven exquisite homes.
How much do tickets cost and where can they be purchased?
Tickets are $35 each (plus Eventbrite processing fees) for the live or virtual tour, or $60* for a package of both live and virtual tour tickets. Live tour tickets can be purchased online until noon on Friday, Dec. 2, or in person the day of the tour from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Angel Falls Coffee Company. Virtual tour tickets will be available online through Sunday, Dec. 11. As an added benefit, the full ticket price is tax deductible (minus the Eventbrite processing fee).
*To receive the package discount, guests must purchase the live and virtual ticket package in a single transaction. Live and virtual tour tickets purchased separately do not qualify for the discounted rate. Tickets are not refundable but may be transferred to another guest.
How can I or my company sponsor the Sugar Plum Tour?
Becoming a sponsor is an excellent opportunity for businesses and individuals to show their support for inclusion and diversity in our community. Corporate and individual sponsorships range from $500 to $5,000+. Sponsors receive tickets to both the live and virtual tours, as well as the private Patron Party, which will be held after the live tour on Dec. 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. Sponsors at the $2,500 level and above are also invited to a special brunch and preview tour with this year’s homeowners. You can view this year's tax-deductible sponsorship opportunities on our website, or learn more by contacting Deb Hoffman at dhoffman@akroncf.org or 330-436-5614.
Please note: We gladly accept gifts from donor-advised funds and IRAs. However, per IRS regulations, sponsorships from donor-advised funds and IRAs cannot receive any benefits, including but not limited to event tickets, gifts, food, beverages and other items of value. If you plan to support the Sugar Plum Tour with a gift from your donor-advised fund or IRA, please contact Deb Hoffman at dhoffman@akroncf.org or 330-436-5614.
What do proceeds from the Sugar Plum Tour support?
As the signature fundraiser of the Gay Community Endowment Fund of Akron Community Foundation, all proceeds from the Sugar Plum Tour remain in Greater Akron to benefit your community. Since 2005, GCEF has reinvested more than $690,000 into programs that positively impact the local LGBTQ+ community and Greater Akron as a whole. By purchasing tickets to or becoming a sponsor of the Sugar Plum Tour, you are generously supporting the fund’s mission of advancing a lived equality for all LGBTQ+ people in Greater Akron. We couldn't do it without you!
Live Tour FAQs
Where do I pick up my tickets?
General admission tickets purchased in advance can be picked up the day of the tour, or on select days prior to the tour. Tickets must be picked up by the ticket purchaser or registered guest. Attendees who purchase multiple tickets without specifying guest names are responsible for picking up and distributing tickets to the intended recipients. View pickup times and locations.
Can I purchase tickets the day of the tour?
Yes, general admission tickets can be purchased the day of the tour from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Angel Falls Coffee Company.
I purchased a ticket but can no longer attend the tour. What should I do?
Tickets are nonrefundable but may be transferred. You're welcome to give your ticket to a friend or family member who will enjoy the tour. Please email Deb Hoffman at dhoffman@akroncf.org to make a change to your reservation.
Where do I find the home locations?
A mobile-friendly online tour guide and map will be emailed to you the day of the tour for your convenience. You can also pick up a printed tour guide the day of the event at Angel Falls Coffee Company, if you prefer.
How do I access the online tour guide?
You will receive an email from Eventbrite by 9 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4, with a link to the online tour guide and home locations. If you do not receive the email, please check your spam folder or email dhoffman@akroncf.org for assistance.
Can I get a printed tour guide if I pick my tickets up early?
To protect the privacy of our homeowners, tickets picked up in advance will not include a printed tour guide. Guests will instead receive an email with a link to the online tour guide the day of the tour.
When can I begin touring the homes?
Guests may tour the homes in any order from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4. Out of respect for the homeowners, please do not arrive before 1 p.m. or after 5 p.m.
Can I take photos of the homes?
Yes, guests are encouraged to take photos of their tour experience and share it on social media, tagging @GayCommunityEndowmentFund on Facebook and Instagram. Photos are for personal use only and may not be used for commercial purposes. Please be respectful of the homeowners and stay within the indicated tour path. Some areas of the homes may be closed off for privacy.
I am a sponsor. How do I pick up my tickets and commemorative ornament?
Sponsors may pick up their tickets the day of the tour at Square Nightclub from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Early ticket pickup is also available on select days prior to the tour. When picking up your tickets, please check in under the sponsoring organization or person's name. If you would prefer to have your tickets delivered to you, please send an email to dhoffman@akroncf.org.
Important COVID-19 Reminders
Event guidelines will comply with all current CDC, state and local regulations. Please do not attend if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive within the last five days. For more information, please visit the CDC website.
Virtual Tour FAQs
How do I access the virtual tour?
You will receive an email from Eventbrite by 9 a.m. EST on Saturday, Dec. 10, with a link to view the tour. If you do not receive the email by 10 a.m., please check your spam folder or email dhoffman@akroncf.org for assistance. The email will be sent to the email address you used to purchase your tickets. If you purchased gift tickets, your recipients will also receive the link to view the tour at the email addresses you provided at the time of registration. Tickets purchased on Saturday, Dec. 10, or Sunday, Dec. 11, will include a link to view the tour within the confirmation email.
Once I receive the email, how do I view the tour videos?
Please click the link in the email to view the web page with the tour videos. The videos will all be available on a single web page, allowing you to view the tour at your leisure in any order you choose. The videos can be watched on your phone, tablet, laptop or home computer. You can also connect your computer to your TV to enjoy a big-screen tour experience.
How long do I have to view the tour?
The tour videos will be available until 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. During that time, you may enjoy the videos as many times as you would like. You can also choose to start the tour on Saturday and then come back to finish it on Sunday. Make it a weekend to remember!
What if I don’t view the tour while the videos are available?
The tour videos will only be available the weekend of Dec. 10 and 11, 2022. After that time, they will expire and will no longer be available for viewing. Refunds cannot be issued if you are unable to view the tour.
What if I have technology issues?
We strongly encourage you to test your internet connection prior to the tour. Unfortunately, the Gay Community Endowment Fund is not able to troubleshoot our guests’ technology issues. We recommend contacting your internet provider for assistance.
Can I share or record the tour videos?
The virtual tour videos are for personal use only and may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of Akron Community Foundation and Starr Films LLC. Guests are not permitted to record, screenshot or share any content from the tour. For more information, please call 330-376-8522.
Questions?
If you have additional questions about the tour, please contact Deb Hoffman at dhoffman@akroncf.org or 330-436-5614.