The 39th annual Meridian-Kessler Neighborhood Association (MKNA) Home & Garden Tour is Saturday, June 16, 2012, and Sunday, June 17, 2012, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Seven homes and gardens are featured in one of the oldest vintage residential tours in Indiana. Architecture home designs range from traditional Tudor and Cape Cod to bungalow and American Four Square.

Katie Dolan is the event's Public Relations Chair and MKNA committee member. She and her husband, Tim, are MKNA residents. "The theme for this year's tour highlights the many and diverse reasons Meridian-Kessler residents love their historic homes and the neighborhood's authentic charm and character," she said. Mrs. Dolan described this year's tour theme as "I Love My Home Because . . . " (of various responses) "Walking to cozy cafes and family restaurants for brunch, dinner or coffee."

"The array of neighborhood markets, shops and boutiques."

"Living close to Butler University and feeling the college spirit and camaraderie."

"The proximity to the Monon Trail and Canal."

"The huge trees and charismatic, traditional homes."

"Being close to downtown, Broad Ripple and minutes from the northern suburbs."

"Parks, gymnasiums and swimming pools, allowing residents of all ages to be active."

"This is my second year working on the home tour. I have met so many wonderful people and love working on an event that does so much to benefit this wonderful community and neighborhood," she noted.

MKNA's Home & Garden Tour advance sale tickets can be purchased at www.mkhometour.com for $12 each. They are also available at: The Fresh Market (5415 North College Avenue), G. Thrapp Jewelers (5609 North Illinois Street), all National Bank of Indianapolis branches and Café Patachou locations. Tickets sold at tour homes during the event are $15 apiece.

Residences on the 2012 MKNA Home Tour are at: 5870 N. Carrollton Avenue, 717 E. 55th Street, 5673 N. Pennsylvania Street, 5246 N. New Jersey Street, 4444 N. Pennsylvania Street, 4353 N. Park Avenue and 3918 N. Park Avenue.

The tour's banner sponsors are Citizens Gas, G. Thrapp Jewelers, Links Creative Alliance and 92.3 WTTS. Home sponsors are Angie's List, Indianapolis Power & Light, The Jazz Kitchen, Northside Knights of Columbus, Simon Skjodt, Sullivan Hardware and Garden and Upland Brewing Company.

The 2012 Annual Twilight Tour & Silent Auction is Friday, June 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on the grounds of Immaculate Heart of Mary School at 317 East 57th Street. This event raises money for non-profit organizations in the MKNA community and includes touring two homes located at 5620 N. Pennsylvania Street and 5673 N. Pennsylvania Street. After the tour, patrons can enjoy dinner, live entertainment and a silent auction under a tent. Tickets are available at MKNA's website.

"It's great to be part of such a historic and cherished event. Abi Dickerson and I are honored to be able to co-chair the home tour - the only fundraiser for the Meridian-Kessler Neighborhood Association. In fact, many people actually credit the tour with reversing the deterioration of the neighborhood that started in the 1960s. Today, the tour allows us to showcase the unique architecture and charm of our community while raising funds for continuing restoration efforts," said Meghan Mayer Martin, Co-Chair of MKNA's Home & Garden Tour.

Individuals who would like to volunteer on the Home Hosting Committee (as a docent in a tour home) or in another capacity may contact Ms. Dickerson at (317) 313-6332 or e-mail Ms. Martin at meghan_m_martin@hotmail.com.

A recent MNKA press release mentions, "Twilight Tour & Silent Auction ticket proceeds go towards the costs associated with the event. However, 100% of the proceeds raised during the silent auction will be granted directly to local groups who work to help improve the quality of life in MKNA's neighborhood. The auction has historically featured items like vacation home rentals, gift certificates to popular local restaurants, as well as goods and services donated by local businesses and residents. The 2011 silent auction raised $16,000. Grant recipients in 2011-2012 included the Center for Inquiry at IPS #84, Coburn Place Safe Haven, Nicholson Performing Arts Academy at IPS #70 and the Kaleidoscope Youth Center."

Silent auction donor forms are available on the MKNA website at: www.mkhometour.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Silent-Auction-form.pdf for those who wish to donate an item. Please return the completed form to Kyle and Lauren Sanders at 5546 N. Delaware Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46220 or e-mail it to: ksanders@forsight4u.com.

MKNA's website describes their history: "Meridian-Kessler became a highly desirable neighborhood in the early 20th century. The area is home to many historic properties, including large estates as well as smaller bungalows and cottages. The home and garden tour was created in the 1970s to promote the history, beauty and unique architecture of the neighborhood. The area is bordered by Kessler Boulevard to the north, 38th Street on the south, Meridian Street on the west and the former Monon Railroad line (now the Monon Trail) to the east."

MKNA's Home & Garden Tour and Twilight Tour & Silent Auction are unique opportunities to meet new neighbors, renew acquaintances and visit one of Indianapolis' most historic and vibrant neighborhoods.