Spring Tea Fundraiser
A delightful afternoon filled with music, prizes and supporting our children and their families
Step Up Ventura hosted its first Spring Tea Fundraiser on the afternoon of May 8, 2021 in an outdoor, garden setting at a private home in Camarillo. The weather was perfect and, after months of social distancing, guests were delighted to come learn about our services to help children and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
The event was graced with music by pianist Susan Birge and her grandson playing the cello for a variety of classical numbers. Tairay Skolnick presented an amazing vocal performance with three songs including Fly Me to the Moon, Someone to Watch Over Me, and God Help the Outcasts (from the Hunchback of Notre Dame). All songs were poignant to Step Up Ventura, with the last being especially heartfelt by those attending.
Tea, finger sandwiches, and desserts were served by volunteers who did an amazing job keeping teacups and water glasses filled thanks to the efforts of Program Intern Jennifer England who led and organized the servers. Food and desserts were catered by Bliss Street Bakery.
Co-hosting the event were Board members Corrine Thomas and Jan Zatorski, and Brenda Terzian of Terzian Construction. Other sponsors were Board member Judy Alexandre, Mary Haffner, Kimberly James, Marianne Keller, Debbie Selzer, Tom Thorning, and Dr. Romana Zvereva. The seven tables hosted by sponsors were each decorated in a unique and beautiful way with the hopes of winning the Best Table Decoration Award. The table set by sponsors Marianne Keller and Debbie Selzer won the prize.
Guests were also adorned with an array of hats and the winner of the Fanciest Hat Contest was Board Member Cathi Nye. Another highlight was the Door Prize, a silver sterling beaded necklace donated by Jewelry Couture. Sponsor Kimberly James was the lucky winner.
The event raised thousands of dollars for Step Up Ventura, made possible by gracious donations, as well as the efforts of Event Chairperson Corrine Thomas, the Fund Development Committee, volunteers, Al Thomas, and Orchard Community Church.
Thank you to everyone who helped make our event a success!