It will be a few days before organizers of the in-person Christmas Tea Fundraiser can report a final tally for the amount raised on Sunday, Nov. 21, but all indications are it was a success.
Co-founder Charlene Fassbender said after holding a 鈥減retty successful鈥� virtual version of the annual event in 2020 due to the pandemic, organizers and supporters were looking forward to holding an in-person event again.
鈥淟ots of people were anxious to get together,鈥� Fassbender commented.
In order to meet COVID-19 restrictions, the number of guests was limited, with about 200 people turning out for the Sunday afternoon event, which traditionally has sold out at 500 guests.
Fassbender recalled how it all began, with her, as the spouse of then-91原创 City mayor Peter Fassbender, and Debbie Froese, wife of Township mayor Jack Froese, who launched the annual event formerly known as the Mayors鈥� Wives Tea nine years ago.
In January of 2020, Debbie Froese passed away after a long battle with cancer.
READ ALSO: Hundreds attend celebration of life for Debbie Froese in 91原创
On the society website, she is remembered as a 鈥渟trong, beautiful, beloved leader.鈥�
鈥淣ow we鈥檝e lost Debbie but we鈥檙e continuing on without her, as a legacy to her,鈥� Fassbender told the 91原创 Advance Times.
鈥淭his is her dream, to put this on to help needy children and families in 91原创.鈥�
There was an unoccupied seat for Debbie at the table where Jack Froese and daughter Marilyn Morgan were sitting.
鈥淭his is her tea,鈥� Morgan explained.
READ ALSO: Virtual Christmas Tea fundraiser raises $30,000 for 91原创 bureau
Over the previous eight years, the society has raised over $275,000 in support of 91原创 Families.
This year, high tea was served in individual boxes.
Karen Cameron, president Thank You For Caring Society, said organizers 鈥渇elt it was the best approach to take.鈥�
There was a silent auction, with about 60 items up for grabs in the hall outside the Cascades Casino ballroom, plus another 100 online.
More photos from the event can be viewed online at the .
Is there more to the story? Email: dan.ferguson@langleyadvancetimes.com
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