Donald Teuma-Castelletti
SHAWVILLE Feb. 2, 2019
Seeing as there seems to be no end to winter in sight, one group at Shawville United Church decided it best to bring the beach indoors on Saturday at an annual tea fundraiser.
With flowery shirts and hula skirts, the church hall was a prime vacation spot for those looking to escape winter for this year’s tropical-themed Valentine Tea.
While there were no Mai Tais or margaritas in sight, guests enjoyed abundant amounts of tea and lemonade alongside tiny sandwiches and sweet treats.
Guests also had the chance to win a variety of raffle prizes, including much homemade baking and assorted beach-themed items like décor and beauty items.
Wrapping up the afternoon’s fun at the tea was a contest for best outfit, as pertaining to the vacation theme. Many chose to dress in colours most associated with Valentine’s Day, but those who did opt for their Florida ensemble stood out. While it came down to a close match, Myrna Palmer came out on top.
Alongside all the fun, the group was supporting a number of charitable efforts that the church puts on each year. Money raised will support the Fairy Godmother Shoppe, various donations back to the community, and the church itself.
The tea was organized by Shawville United Church’s Unit Two, made up of Jee-Eun Kim, Heather Dale, Diana Thomas, Carolann Barton, Amy Taylor, Sara Knox, Holly Currie, Hailey Murray and Kellie Beck. Volunteers assisting with the afternoon included Sandra Dale, Jane O’Neil, Sue Knox, Marissa Lang, Madi Alexander, and Bill and Sue McCleary.
“[Unit Two is] the youngest group in the church and we thought we’d support them by dressing up,” said Palmer, of dressing for vacation on Saturday.
