If you’d like to make the holiday season a little bit brighter for local families who struggle financially, and help to put smiles on children’s faces come Christmas morning, here’s an event that might be just your cup of tea.
On Sunday, Nov. 23, the wives of Langley’s two mayors will once again host the annual Thank You for Caring — A Christmas Tea Fundraiser.
The afternoon, which mixes high tea and high fashion, is held each November to support the efforts of the Langley Christmas Bureau.
Last year, the bureau served more than 800 families, including 1,650 children, by providing them with gifts and Christmas food hampers — all of it made possible by a generous community. See story here.
Although the first Thank You for Caring Christmas tea presented by the mayors’ wives, happened in 2012, the fundraiser was actually inspired by a gathering of about 30 people held at Debbie Froese’ home a year earlier, as her husband, Jack, was running for the office of mayor in the Township.
“It was a meet and greet, but I did it as a British tea,” said Froese.
“The next year I thought, I can’t hold more than 30 people in my house, so I told Jack that I wanted to do it for charity.”
The Langley Christmas Bureau was the obvious choice, she said, because it’s a cause that is very close to her heart.
Joined by Charlene Fassbender, wife of then-Langley City mayor, Peter Fassbender, Froese hosted the first Christmas tea at the Fort Langley Golf Course.
It sold out quickly and organizers realized they needed to find a larger venue.
The following year, they moved it to the ballroom at the Coast Hotel, which can hold 500 people.
Froese’s goal this year is to fill it to capacity with guests — all of whom are encouraged to dress up, perhaps even going so far as to don their fanciest hat or fascinator and maybe an elegant pair of gloves.
In addition to tea, coffee and sandwiches, a selection of sweet treats will be provided by Frosting Cupcakery.
Jim McGregor, who along with Christmas tea committee member, Leigh Castron, co-ordinates the Langley Christmas Bureau, will emcee the event.
Entertainment will be provided by Langley country music duo and sister act, Robyn and Ryleigh, along with musicians from the Langley Community Music School, who will perform as guests arrive and provide background music during the tea.
Last year, Jean Schaffer whose husband, Ted, now serves as acting mayor of the City, joined Marilyn Morgan — the Froeses’ daughter — to organize the tea, along with a committee of helpers. Debbie was ill and needed to take time away from community activities.
Although it is mostly women who attend the annual tea, men are of course welcome, too, Schaffer said. And, she added, it’s an event that is fun and appropriate for children and adults alike.
“It’s nice to see a lot of young girls, between seven and nine, in fascinators and dresses,” she said.
“Girls that age are quite interested and it’s nice to see.”
By developing an interest in events like this early in life, it’s possible they will want to become volunteers themselves once they’re older, she said.
For her part, Schaffer has volunteered with the Christmas Bureau for the past six years.
“I think it’s important to help families in need at Christmastime,” she said.
“It’s fun and very heartwarming.
As well as being an important cause, the Christmas tea a great excuse to dress up, said Morgan, adding many of her girlfriends decked themselves out in beads and gloves for last year’s party.
Although the event well surpassed its goal of raising $20,000 last year, Morgan has set her sights even higher.
“I’d like to make it an even $25,000 this year,” she said.
In addition to bidding on dozens of silent auction items, guests will be invited to purchase one of 500 “raffle” Christmas crackers for $10.
Whoever holds the winning cracker will receive a three-piece set of silver jewelry — including an open heart necklace, lantern crystal quartz bracelet and rainbow moonstar earrings — created and donated by artist Susan Rind.
A limited number of fascinators will be available for purchase at the event Doors will open on Sunday, Nov. 23 at noon.
Seating begins at 12:30 p.m. with tea served from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cascades Casino and Hotel is located at 20393 Fraser Hwy.
Tickets are $25 each, available at Frosting Cupcakery, 20411 Fraser Hwy.; JD Farms, 24726 52 Ave.; Langley Christmas Bureau, #307-20300 Fraser Hwy. and Birthplace of BC Gallery, 9054 Glover Rd.
Langley Christmas Bureau opened its doors on Nov. 3 for registration and drop-off of new, unwrapped gifts.
For more information, visit thankyouforcaringachristmastea.com or langleychristmasbureau.com.