Main photo: Nancy Gardiner (left with Karen Markham) was delighted to find a teapot with sugar bowl and creamer commemorating King George and Queen Elizabeth’s 1939 visit to Canada. Her uncle was the photographer on the train trip they took while here.
The tea was flowing freely, as was the goodwill at the fifth annual Hospice Huntsville Purple Tea Party. The event, which was held this year on Saturday, April 7, was a sold-out affair, attracting 125 tea-lovers to Huntsville Place Mall.
Some sported lively purple fascinators, others purple finery. All were treated to beverages and sandwiches courtesy of Bears Den Restaurant, sweet treats from Whimsical Bakery, and live music by local singer-songwriter Christina Hutt.
Admission was by donation to Hospice Huntsville’s annual Hike for Hospice. There was also a silent auction, and the teapot centrepieces and tea cup candles were for sale for the cause as well. In all, the event raised $16,000 toward the annual Hike for Hospice goal of $55,000.
Bill Coon of Muskoka Medical Centre Pharmacy, signature sponsor of the tea party, Hike for Hospice and Swim for Hospice, said he supports Hospice Huntsville because “it’s just such a worthwhile organization for our town. We have such a good medical community and then Hospice finishes off good healthcare and helps people die well.”
Hospice Huntsville’s board president, Gord Schakelaar, added that the tea party and other Hospice events are important to inform the community about what Hospice provides. He cited Hospice Huntsville’s credo, ‘sharing the journey’, and said, “it’s important to have the opportunity to share it with citizens and the residents.”
(From left) Volunteer Wayne Parker, Hospice Huntsville Residential Volunteer & Signature Events Coordinator Vina Parker, Huntsville Hospice Board President Gord Schakelaar, Fund Development & Public Relations Coordinator Melissa Polischuck, signature sponsor Bill Coon of Muskoka Medical Centre Pharmacy and Hospice Huntsville Executive Director Bev Lashbrook
Many volunteers and sponsors came together in support of the event. Huntsville Place Mall provided the menu and event support, Winners and Huntsville Public School provided the chairs and tables, Bears Den Restaurant provided the sandwiches and beverages, Whimsical Bakery provided the sweet treats, Rich Hill Candles and Habitat for Humanity Restore provided the wax and tea cups respectively for the tea cup candles sold at the event, Jane Marshall Flowers provided the flowers for the centrepieces, and many businesses and individuals donated the 199 items in the silent auction.
Melissa Polischuck, Hospice Huntsville’s Fund Development & Public Relations Coordinator, said that the event had wonderful support from the community. Hospice relies on events like the tea party, Hike for Hospice and Swim for Hospice, along with other donations, to raise 50 per cent of its operating costs every year.
For more information on the upcoming Hike for Hospice on May 6, visit hospicehuntsville.ca
Tricia Markle pours tea for one of the party guests
(From left) Lorraine Blondin and Paige, Holly, Isla and Michelle Tripp enjoy the tea and goodies
(Front from left) Karen Ross, Carol Corry, Willie Lummiss, Pauline Diamond; (back from left) Gisele Sauve and Donna Chantler show off their purple fascinators
Local singer-songwriter Christina Hutt entertained attendees with her enchanting voice
Karen Markham (left) and Jessica Wert offer up tea service with a smile
The the purple tea party tables occupied almost half of Huntsville Place Mall
Bears Den Restaurant staff (from left) Lisa Carrier, Emily Fyfe, Sandra McGregor, chef Brian Demers, Christine Evans, and Heather Sobieraj got into the purple spirit
There were almost 200 items displayed for bidding in the silent auction…
…including many beautiful handmade quilts
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