Victory Homes’ new model home in Summit is the setting for the 33rd annual Christmas Fantasy House, open through Nov. 8. Volunteers have transformed the roughly 6,700-square-foot property with 23 uniquely decorated rooms, each designed by a different professional decorator around its own holiday theme. The event raises money for families staying near hospitalized children.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin describes the fundraiser as volunteer-run. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that this year’s event runs Nov. 1 through Nov. 8. The Freeman describes the property as an approximately 6,700-square-foot model home with more than 23 decorated spaces by 20 area decorators. The charity’s website says more than 20 decorators worked on the newly constructed home.
Shopping, Raffles and a Silent Auction Fill the House
The house combines shopping and fundraising activities: visitors can browse the Holiday Boutique and Sweet Shoppe, buy tickets for the Festival of Trees & Wreaths raffle, and visit the raffle basket area, according to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin. TMJ4 News reports that the event also includes nearly 80 raffle baskets and approximately 40 silent auction items, with proceeds benefiting Ronald McDonald House.
TMJ4 reports that the event has supported the charity since 2014 and that the nonprofit relies entirely on donations to keep its programs running. Connie Walters, quoted in the report, described the decorators as skilled professionals who bring artistry to each themed room. The report says proceeds from the house go toward family accommodations, meals, programs and essential services for parents whose children are receiving medical treatment.
Why the Fundraiser Matters to Families
The event’s proceeds support the charity’s work with families during a child’s hospitalization. In a statement to The Freeman, president and CEO Laurie Bertrand said the fundraiser helps provide places to rest, meals, programs and services, and will help jumpstart the charity’s season of giving. TMJ4 attributed an estimate of about $200,000 raised annually by the Christmas Fantasy House to Bertrand.
The Summit showcase is smaller than the charity’s 2024 fundraiser, which transformed a 19,000-square-foot Oconomowoc home that the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel described as looking like a hotel. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin says all proceeds from this year’s event benefit the organization, which helps families stay near their children during medical treatment.
Where the Charity Supports Families
The charity’s 2023 audited financial statements describe its Milwaukee House as an 84-room residence providing temporary housing for families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at Milwaukee-area hospitals, according to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin. The organization also operates a Family Room on the Oconomowoc campus of Rogers Behavioral Health, which it describes as a welcoming, home-like space, according to the charity.
Hours, Tickets and Parking Details
The Christmas Fantasy House keeps weekday hours of 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and weekend hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to TMJ4 News. Admission at the door costs $25, while advance tickets are also listed at $25 with children 12 and under admitted free, per The Freeman; tickets are available online, according to TMJ4's reporting.
Because the home is not handicapped accessible, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin advises visitors accordingly. Guests are encouraged to park at the Lake Country DockHounds' parking lot and take a complimentary shuttle to the home, with free shuttle service confirmed by The Freeman.
