Kitchens remain the focal point of the home, as demonstrated by the excellent turnout for the inaugural Maine Home & Design Kitchen Tour.

The event, held Sept. 20, attracted more than 565 visitors and raised some $40,000 for the Cape Elizabeth Education Foundation (CEEF).

Twelve homes were open for visitors, who came from as far away as Connecticut, to view kitchens showcasing the latest in materials and the craftsmanship of local builders and designers.

“The twelve residents from the Cape community who opened their homes were the true ‘heroes’ of the day,” said Kevin Thomas, co-president of the foundation. “With thousands of footsteps passing through their homes, many owners stayed on site to greet the visitors and answer their questions.”

The Cape Elizabeth Education Foundation works in conjunction with town schools to help fund initiatives that are outside the school budget, and helps build community-wide support for both the school and education in general. For more information about the foundation and its program, visit www.ceef.us or contact [email protected]