Party Profile: Sundae Tea, South Carolina
Hostesses:
Barbara Miles, Annette Lawton, Freddia Bartless, and Rebecca Marino
Thirty guests put their diets on hold to attend this ice cream sundae Blue Hydrangea Tea Party event in our hometown of Greenwood, South Carolina! The group was made up of both men and women and included Elizabeth and her dad. There were various toppings, whipped cream, and - of course - cherries to top off each sundae creation. Barbara reports that this idea was “a great hit with everyone.” These creative hostesses also served iced tea, along with “calorie-free” (wink, wink) cookies. This event took place over the summer, in August, so it was a lovely idea for a summer BHTP event. The guests made donations to the South Carolina Ovarian Cancer Foundation and their grand total was $1095. Great idea, ladies, and congratulations on a successful event! Our sincere thanks to all those who donated to this worthy ovarian cancer awareness organization located in Greenville, SC.

Elizabeth writes about attending this party:
“It was a beautiful, warm, sunny, blue-sky day and such a joy to catch up with church friends, long-time family friends, and become acquainted with unfamiliar but friendly faces. So many of these people have now come together as a yearly tradition to take part in the Blue Hydrangea Tea Party concept. As the sun shined brightly through the windows, everyone mingled throughout the kitchen and den. The kitchen table was decorated with beautiful blue hydrangeas, cookies and snacks. The tea station was stocked with clear pitchers and a wide assortment of teas. And, then there was the ice cream…nothing like an ice cream buffet! There were so many toppings available that it almost seemed necessary to go back for seconds, or at least that seemed like a good excuse. Smiles were abundant as people created their favorite kind of sundae. Pamphlets were available to provide information about ovarian cancer awareness.

A glance around the room reflected many whose lives have, in some way, been affected by cancer. I was touched by one woman’s strength as I spoke with her about her recent diagnosis. She was one of my Sunday school teachers, when I was in the first grade, and she had also worked with my grandmother. I was saddened to see what she was going through. I hope I was able to offer her encouragement, even as I fought back my own the tears. Today, as I think back to that conversation with this sweet lady, I also think of my mom who is always in my heart. I wish I had shared a quote that has stayed with me since the time I shared it with Mom. The quote actually had come from a church sign and seemed so fitting: “Do what you can…God will do what you cannot.”

There were light-hearted moments, as well. A few women in the group were chatting about their upcoming pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The topic of discussion was the luggage limitation they would have. I can still hear the laughter, as they were trying to convince one woman that she could not plan to accessorize and have a different pair of shoes to wear with every outfit! I am not sure if they were able to persuade her to keep it to the basics. They were all looking forward to this journey together.

The laughter of the small children in attendance was such a blessing to see. They were busy in their own little world of fun, running from one room to the next, fueled by the sundaes they had eaten! They were releasing lots of energy and would soon be heading to nap-time.

A couple of ladies arrived toward the end of the gathering. They had both been out of town for a wedding and planned to get back in time to make it to the party. They were truly loyal to add this to the agenda for the weekend. One of these women had recently found out that her daughter has breast cancer. She had been spending time with her beautiful grandchildren, while the daughter and her husband traveled to appointments. This mother’s eyes showed such courage and faith.

Dad really enjoyed the day with these great friends, and as he and I left, we felt so comforted by the many people we are so blessed to have in our lives. Just as the toppings came together to make a delicious sundae on this warm day, so, too, did a group of people to support a wonderful organization…and each other. Thank you to all of the hostesses and those in attendance who made this such a special day. May God Bless each of you and keep you in His care.”

Party Profile: River Valley Chapter, NOCC
Hostess: Blanche West (contact person)
Blanche registered this event after receiving one of our brochures! She shared with me that this chapter of the NOCC was created the year before and that it had come out of her own loss. Blanche’s sister-in-law died from ovarian cancer and it was in the spirit of her desire to “do something” that Blanche, herself, took on this cause. She said that her sister-in-law wanted to educate women about ovarian cancer, because she had not been informed and wasn’t suspicious of her own symptoms, until it was too late. The organization uses the Queen Elizabeth rose as their symbol, because this flower was Blanche’s sister-in-law’s favorite. “The flower parallels a woman’s being,” she says. Blanch says that “the green of the plant signifies woman’s growth and life itself; the lovely hot-pink bloom represents the beauty of womanhood; the thorns remind us of woman’s sufferings.”

This event was held at the Reynolds Cancer Support House and Dr. Kris Gast, a local radiation oncologist, spoke to the group. There was entertainment by Tonya Jackson. Door prizes were presented and each guest received a gift bag with an ovarian cancer bracelet, lapel pin, car magnet, and educational literature. Blanche and her group worked very hard to create a lovely day for their guests and many others donated items and services for the event, as well. The RCSH offered the use of their facilities and the menu included sandwiches, potato salad, pasta salad, chips, fresh veggies with dill dip, fruit, and “super-yummy” homemade desserts prepared by the NOCC members! Of course, there was tea, as well…a variety of hot teas and iced tea…and coffee.

Blanche writes of this event:
“We decorated the tables with pastel blue cloths and teapots of all sorts. The teapots held silk hydrangeas, and a local florist donated a beautiful blue hydrangea centerpiece for the buffet - and then it was given for a door prize, too. A photographer was on hand to capture the occasion by making pictures of anyone who wanted one. Of course, a live blue hydrangea was used in the setting.

One of the ladies undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer and four of her five sisters and her brother traveled some miles to attend, as well as a couple of nieces and one of her co-workers, whose daughter had just been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. They filled up one whole table! One of her sisters offered a heart-felt, heart-warming invocation for the gathering, which set the tone for the day. We also recognized all the NOCC members, including a woman in her eighties, who is a 31yr survivor!

A remembrance table held little name tents so folks could write the name of a loved one, place a picture, and light a votive candle in memory or in honor of them. Later in the program each name was called. A NOCC table-top display was used as the backdrop for that table.

We hadn’t planned to really use this event as a fundraiser but to promote awareness of ovarian cancer; however, people began to ask how they could make a donation and wondered aloud who was collecting money! We had plain white envelopes that we used for that purpose….We received donations in the amount of $1615!! When it came time to leave, folks just hung around, still wanting to visit, even in the face of an impending thunderstorm - now, that’s a sure sign of success! The party provided a bonding experience for our group, and we made some new friends, as well, even learning some new and important information about ovarian cancer.”

We were blessed with an amazing response last year! Below are some other highlights from BHTP 2008-

Lisa Sutton, New York
Lisa is a friend of our very first BHTP hostess, Candy Carberry. After attending Candy’s awareness tea parties for two consecutive years, she decided that it was time to broaden the circle of awareness and registered to host her own tea party! Lisa really put her creativity to work….First she initiated a “Dress Down Day” at her school on the Friday before her tea party to raise awareness for her beneficiary. Her co-workers made donations to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, and she gave car magnets as gifts to those who made a donation of $10 or more. Then, she hosted guests at her home. With their donations combined with those of her colleagues, she raised a total of $565. Lisa, you amaze us with your energy!!

Kathy Church, South Carolina
Kathy and her daughter, a student at UNC – Chapel Hill, invited a small group of young women to enjoy tea and fellowship. It was a special day for these friends, home from college! Together they raised $390 for their beneficiary, the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Kathy’s party is a good example of one of the many goals we hope to accomplish with Blue Hydrangea Tea Party – bringing younger women into the circle of awareness. Our best wishes to Kathy and her daughter!

Amanda Beachboard, Delaware
Mandy learned of Blue Hydrangea Tea Party from Tea Time. She decided that she’d like to be a hostess and worked for months on her BHTP event! She diligently pursued the details to a very successful conclusion, hosting 11 ladies at her tea party. She reports that “it was awesome!” We are very appreciative to Mandy and her guests, who donated $225 to the NOCC-DE.

S.C.O.C.F. – Riverbanks Region, South Carolina
Jane Williams, board member of S.C.O.C.F., welcomed apx 70 guests to a BHTP event at Sterling Hall in Columbia, SC. Along with other supporters, Jane, Diana Neglia, and Cathy Novinger (chair) planned a lovely event, which included door prizes. There was great food by Dupre’s, entertainment and inspiration, along with education! Meredith Anderson, of SC Oncology Associates, explained the origin of Blue Hydrangea Tea Party to those gathered. The event was sponsored by South Carolina Oncology Associates and SCOA Cares Foundation and it raised $2100 for the South Carolina Ovarian Cancer Foundation – Riverbanks Region.

Blue Hydrangea Tea Party 2009 is well underway, and we are pleasantly surprised with the level of participation this year, given the current economic climate. As the days begin to count down, our excitement builds and we await the results of this year’s BHTP events! We wish you all much success with your parties and encourage anyone who is interested to get involved at some level. Remember that there is no rule book…Your party should reflect YOU!! Some may wish to choose alternate dates that are more convenient for them. Regardless, we ask that all BHTP events be registered through the online registration form…just include the alternate date you’ve chosen in the “Comments” section. Remember, too, that the Ning site is there for you to share your photos and video from your BHTP events, as well as your experiences and expertise. You do not have to be a hostess to join and participate in the Blue Hydrangea Tea Party Community. It has been so much fun making friends and getting to know those who have already signed on! We want this site to be an uplifting place that brings joy to those who visit and participate. Thank you so very much for your support - our hostesses are at the center of what makes BHTP successful~

Jennie