Cup of Hope Annual Tea

My Hat

For me, few things compare to supporting a good cause while wearing a beautiful hat.

Proceeds from the fifth annual Cup of Hope Tea Party in Tampa will benefit the efforts of Bay Area Legal Services to provide aid to victims of domestic violence. This vital legal aid for victims may include obtaining injunctions against abusers who threaten them, filing for divorce or fighting for custody of their children.

Gary Walker - Board President

It was one of those beautiful sunny Florida days as we strolled up to the gorgeous home of John and Tracey Bales, who were generously hosting the event. Tea was being served pool-side and I was delighted to find that lovely china cups and saucers were being used. This elegant touch made everyone feel special!

Heather Low

As we sampled the food and wine, beautiful models were showcasing Fashions by Georgette’s Boutique. Entertainment included Nelson Mariscal on the Classical Guitar and the Flexible Four Barbershop Quartet. I was astonished when these fine gentlemen proved to me that they knew my favorite song from the 30″s, “I’m Alone Because I Love You”. I was thrilled. It had never happened before!

Flexible Four Barbershop Quartet

My friends Shirley, Lucy and Carol were among the volunteers serving tea. Normally, I would have been with them but when I hear the words “Hat Contest”, I’m all in! So I attended as a guest and was able to enjoy meeting many interesting and generous people. Chance tickets were available for some great prizes and I enjoyed visiting the booths that were set up on the lawn for shopping. 10% of sales proceeds would be donated to benefit the host organization.

Tea Toters

Master of Ceremonies for the Afternoon Events was Lissette Campos-Perez of ABC Action News. The Program included a “Spotlight on Survivors” and the presentation of the “Heart of Hope Award” to the very deserving, Yolanda Lee.

We were then spellbound by one of the most moving and inspirational stories that I have ever heard. It highlighted the trials and struggles of Patty Parra-Perez, who had suffered for years at the hands of an abusive and dangerous husband. Her bravery and determination to make a new life, after uninmaginable loss, is something that I will never forget. Congratulations to Yolanda Lee and to Patty Parra-Perez, whose honesty leaves me breathless.

Afternoon Program

Soon, it was time for the “Hat Contest”. Believe it or not, it was being judged by real “Judges” from our own Bay Area court system. They did not know about me or My Hat Affair blog, but I would certainly have been embarassed if they were not impressed with my hat. But I thought they did a superb job – as I was a winner! I was presented with a lovely gift basket.

Bronze Pheasant Feather Creation

I apologize to my readers for posting the blog of this function so late. My computer crashed and I lost pictures and notes and only recently, with the help of a talented friend, was I able to retrieve some of my lost files. Carbonite is now my friend!

Please be assured that I whole-heartedly support Bay Area Legal Services in their many efforts to help victims of domestic violence. I was honored to participate in this very special event.