IN THE SPIRIT—The Agoura Hills Harmony Chorus performs during a previous Wellness Community Holiday Homes Tour. The chorus will sing again this year at one of the four featured homes. Photo courtesy Thelma Star While visiting four Conejo Valley homes adorned with beautiful seasonal decorations, guests of the 20th annual Holiday Homes Tour will also be able to enjoy holiday entertainment provided by more than 20 local artists.

The self-guided tour, taking place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat., Dec. 3 and Sun., Dec. 4, will benefit The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura.

Founded in 1982, this international nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing support, education and hope to people with cancer and their loved ones.

In July 2009, The Wellness Community and Gilda’s Club joined forces to become the Cancer Support Community, providing professionally led support groups, educational workshops, nutrition and exercise programs and stress- reduction classes worldwide.

The Wellness Community is assisting about 3,500 people in the Conejo Valley this year, said Suzanne Drace, president of The Wellness Community in Thousand Oaks.

“All the money that we raise stays here in the community to help cancer survivors,” she said. The local chapter of Wellness is governed by a board of directors comprised of local residents.

Taunalyn Rutherford said she and her husband Jim look forward to supporting the organization by opening their home in Malibu View Estates for the 2011 Holiday Tour.

“I love the charity,” she said.

The local mother of five was introduced to the organization through a neighbor who participated in a previous Holiday Home Tour. Rutherford’s displays themed“We Believe” will include many Christmas trees and a collection of ornaments featuring photos of her family.

“I love the holidays and family gatherings... The Holiday Tour sounded like a good way to benefit a charity and get my Christmas decorations up,” said Rutherford.

Performers scheduled to entertain at the Rutherford home during the tour include Kaleen Van Dyke and the Agoura Hills Harmony Chorus. Rutherford’s daughter Madison, 15, will also play the harp for guests.

Thousand Oaks residents Eva Katz and Mitch Katz will also open their home to help ring in the holidays in style while contributing to a good cause.

“The Holiday Tour is a great opportunity for people to see other homes and to get different ideas for family holiday traditions,” Eva Katz said.

The Katz home themed “Holiday Villa Di Oro” will include multicultural displays reflecting the family’s combined traditions, with trees throughout the house, a dining room featuring a golden Christmas display and a room dedicated to Hanukkah.

“Our home was built for entertaining. As fortunate as we are, and the way our home is set up, this is the perfect opportunity for us to give back,” Katz said.

Entertainment scheduled at the Katz home includes the Los Robles Children’s Choir and Los Robles Master Chorale, the Trinity Ringers of New Hope Lutheran Church and Gary Geisleman, a young singer who received awards for Best Young Artist and Artists for a Better World in 2010 for sharing music through charitable events.

Two other homes will be featured in the tour. Shuttles will transport guests from one home to the next.

Organizers said about 400 volunteers will help to coordinate the tour, which is expected to raise about $75,000 for Wellness programs.

“We’re so lucky that we have so many volunteers interested in Wellness Community,” said Thelma Starr, entertainment coordinator for the 2011 tour.

Drace said that the recession has created an increased demand for Wellness services in recent years.

In addition to dealing with anxiety and fear caused by cancer, people fear losing their jobs. Also, the costs to treat the illness are very high, she said.

But with the help of Wellness support groups led by licensed therapists, psychologists and social workers, many patients acquire new coping skills, allowing them to continue to work and function in everyday life.

Advance tickets for the Holiday Home Tour are $30 or $35 at the door.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call (888) 557- 3177, visit www.TwcVv.org or go to The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura, 530 Hampshire Road, Westlake Village.

A boutique featuring holiday gifts, women’s accessories, gourmet foods, handmade candles and quilted blankets will also take place in conjunction with the tour between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sat., Dec. 3 and Sun., Dec. 4.

Tickets are not required to visit the boutique, located at the North Ranch Community Center, 1400 N. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village.