Eight homes have been selected for the Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour which will be held Oct. 3-5. Proceeds from the 18th annual event, which includes the tour, a gala and silent auction, will benefit eight regional charities.

The following lake-area residents will open their homes: Robert Arigo of Penhook; Virginia "Ginger" Correll of Huddleston; Al and Becki Fuzi of Moneta; Randy and Rosie Gantt of Huddleston; Jim and Cathleen Gusso of Moneta; Brenda and Marty Heck of Penhook; Milton and Ellen Lampkin of Moneta; and Judith Redden of Penhook.

Charities that will benefit are: the Free Clinic of Central Virginia; Crisis Line of Central Virginia; Roanoke Valley Interfaith Hospitality Network; Bedford Hospice House; Lynchburg Daily Bread; Bedford Christian Ministries; Moneta Volunteer Fire Department; and the Free Clinic of Franklin County.

Because of the far-reaching economic impact of rising oil prices and the state of the economy, the critical sponsorship donations by regional businesses has significantly declined, according to Marty Bowers, chairman of the tour's board of directors.

"We are not even close to the amount of money sponsors have donated in prior years," said Bowers. "Yet, the demand on the charities for assistance has increased significantly. "

Tour tickets: Advance tickets for $25 will be available in mid-August online at the tour's Web site, at outlet locations to be announced or by calling (540) 297-8687. Tickets also can be purchased on the days of the tour at any of the eight homes for $30.

Gala tickets: Sept. 12 at the Hotel Roanoke also are available online.

Information: For sponsorships, call Bonita DeLooper, (540) 297-6678. For information or to volunteer, call (540) 297-TOUR or visit smlcharityhometour.com.