Women in colorful dresses and donning wide brim hats, pearls and white gloves while enjoying scones and other delectables with a spot of tea will once again be the setting for an event set to raise funds for an upcoming Habitat for Humanity Women Build.

Organizers of the Second Annual High Tea and Silent Auction say they hope to match the success of last year’s premiere event, which attracted 120 participants.

“The ladies from our first High Tea and Silent Auction had such a great time last year and asked us to do this event again. How could we say ‘No’, when this was a relaxing, sharing and bonding event for everyone?” said Monica Bradley, Community Outreach Coordinator for Lauderdale County Habitat for Humanity.

Fifteen table sponsorships were sold at last year’s fundraiser.

“Which is exceptional for our first year,” Bradley said. “But we know more ladies would love to attend; this is a one-of-a-kind event for Meridian and Lauderdale County.”

In addition to women dressed in colorful and dainty attire, tasty food and tea served by the men and women of the Marines, beautifully decorated tables, heart-warming testimonials and melodious music from a pianist and local vocalist, the afternoon event will also feature a Silent Auction.

“This was hugely successful last year,” Bradley noted. “The ladies will bid on gift cards, art work, merchandise, and services generously donated by local businesses and artists.”

And while intended to be enjoyable, Bradley said the High Tea and Silent is more than just getting dressed up.

“This event is about forming relationships with other women over a common cause – building a future for the next generation through providing safe and affordable homes,” she said. “The event proceeds will go towards our Women Build house.”

A Women Build is a Habitat for Humanity program that encourages women to make a difference by building homes. The program seeks to encourage women volunteers to further the home-building mission of Habitat for Humanity. Since Women Build’s official creation in 1998, Women Build volunteers have constructed more than 1,600 homes worldwide.

The Women Build program encourages women to devote at least one day to help families build strength, stability and independence through housing

“Statistics show how much a home can elevate a child – as well as a mom and dad – to do better, to go forward and to strive for something,” Bradley said. “They don’t have to worry about food on the table. And they don’t have to worry about a roof over their head or someone coming in telling them they are evicted because this is theirs. It gives them a sense of groundedness, a sense of root – and they can build on that.”

Tickets for the High tea and Silent Tea are currently on sale – $25/ticket or $200/table for 8. Table purchasers may be eligible for a special prize.

“Those who purchase a table, we would like for it to be decorated for our Best Table Decoration competition,” Bradley said. “We would like for the tables to be decorated with teapots, china, flatware and other decorations to make it reflective of those around the table.”

Established in 1989, Lauderdale County Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that provides decent and safe homes to low-income family, disabled and/or elderly individuals. “Decent shelter is something we all need to thrive,” Bradley said. “Strong and stable homes help build strong and stable communities. With a little help, we all have the potential to stand on our own. Bold actions speak louder than words. Working together, side-by-side promotes understanding and self-reliance.”

 

Want to go?

What: High Tea & Silent Auction fundraiser for Lauderdale County Habitat for Humanity

When: Aug. 12, from 2-4 p.m.

Where: Multi-purpose Building of Northcrest Baptist Church, 3412 North Hills St.,

Tickets: Table of eight, $200; individual, $25

Information: Call 601-485-4992 or visit the Habitat office at 1001 29th Ave.