Victorian Tea Party nets $1,390
By Mila Glodava
Vicki Turner, a member of the Friends of Infanta at St. Thomas More, inaugurated a series of fundraising events for the Gabaldon Restoration Project, on a beautiful Saturday afternoon April 10. Some 60 ladies dressed to the nines complete with hats and gloves attended the fun-filled gathering. "The tea was so much fun," said Sally Woods, who also promised to invite others to support our cause. Sally added, "I hope your fundraising for the Metro Infanta school is very successful."
Vicki started the afternoon with a presentation of a check worth $1,390 to this writer, who gave the invocation and expressed her thanks on behalf of the chldren who will benefit from the fundraiser. Vicki then gave the traditional toast to the Office of the President of the United States, and the Office of the Mayor of Infanta and the Bishop of the Prelature of Infanta, for their involvement in the project dubbed, "Restoration of Hope."
Vicki Turner presenting Mila Glodava with a check for $1,390.
The guests enjoyed the traditional English black tea as well as cookies and finger sandwiches. The guests then watched a PowerPoint presentation entitled "Restoration of Hope." Many also were treated to a number of door prizes including a gift certificate worth $75 for an hour of free interior design work donated by Irene Lindemer as well as a $50 gift certificate for dinner at Thai Hiep Restaurant.
Guests enjoyed sharing fellowship and sampling the scones, maids of honor, lavendar shortbreads and lemon curd tarts.
Sincere thanks to all who attended and to all who organized and coordinated the event especially to Vicki Turner, and her English friends -- Jacqui Colby, Olive Wilkison and Patti Schwartz -- who donated their time, talent and treasure. Special thanks, too, to the members of the Friends of Infanta at St. Thomas More -- Joanne Horne, Joni Sanderson, Therese Beaudette, Irene Lindemer, Cindy Shinners, Carolyn Kimzey, Ana Cruz, Jan Dennehy and new recruit, Tricia Sullivan, for the time and effort to this event and others on schedule to make the $200,000 goal.
The next "Restoration of Hope" events include the following:
* Friday, July 23 at 6-9 p.m., Viva Italia Dinner at the home of Bill and Maribeth Hanzlik. This is co-hosted by Maribeth's mother, Joanne Horne, who is a member of the MIF Board of Trustees. Cost per person is $50. Capacity limited to 75-100 people.
* Friday, September 10, 6- 9 p.m. at St. Thomas More. "Grace Before Meals" cooking show with Father Leo Patalinghug, a Filipino chef and priest who teaches at a seminary in Maryland. Father Leo has become known internationally because of this cooking show called, "Grace Before Meals." In addition, Father Leo beat the famous Iron Chef from New York durnig his Throwdown with Bobby Flay" show on the Food Network. Cost for this event is $75 for general admission, $40 for youth 10-18 years of age and $60 for seniors. Capacity limited to 300 people. The committee hopes to solicit major gifts and a number of big ticket items for the live auction. Other features of this event is a sampling of Philippine cuisine and a couple of folk dances. The committee is planning to sell Philippine handicrafts before the cooking demonstration. Anyone who can donate any item for this store would be appreciated.
* December 29, 2010-January 12, 2011. St. Thomas More Youth Mission Trip to help rebuild the Gabaldon. Plans for this mission trip include an encounter with our Philippine youth at St. Paul Unviersty and in the Prelature of Infanta. Anyone interested amoung our Filipino American youths in joining the STM youth group, please let us know.