But one local real estate company is going to turn that idea on its head.

Parrish Realty is making plans for an open house tour next spring that will do more than just promote home sales.

The event will also be an auction of sorts that will raise money for the Zebulon Boys & Girls Club.

Cara Keys, an agent with Parrish Realty, is organizing the event that will bring together well-known area artists, potential homebuyers and one of the region’s most well-respected human service agencies.

According to Steve Bock, the broker-in-charge of Parrish Realty’s Zebulon office, the fund-raiser matches the interest of the company’s owner, William Parrish.

“I’ve never seen someone who was so interested in kids and doing things that would help them,” Bock said.

Keys said work is underway to secure donations of artwork that will be displayed in the homes during the tour, which is set for Mar. 8 from 4-7 p.m.

The homes on the tour have not yet been selected, but they will most likely be homes in the Weaver’s Pond subdivision, Keys said.

Tickets for the tour will cost $25 and participants will have the opportunity to bid on artwork hanging in the homes and enjoy Hors d’Oeuvres, wine and cheese during their visit.

Keys said the early planning for the event will focus on seeking artists willing to participate.

For information about the event, or to donate artwork, call Keys at 269-7439.