Christmas Tea coming Dec. 7
The sound of Christmas bells is in the air, especially with the fourth annual Jackson Christmas Tea just over a week away.
“The Musical Magic of Christmas” will descend upon the Jackson Golf Club once again for an entertaining meal and fundraiser Dec. 7 for the Jackson Health Care Foundation.
Adorned with a bell and Christmas holly, this year’s item in the event’s commemorative tea set is the last of the themed teacups, as next year’s tea will move on to feature a small salad plate, said tea organizer and Sanford Jackson Medical Center CEO Mary Ruyter.
Through its meal tickets and the 15 to 20 silent auction items on display at each of the hour-long luncheons, at noon and 5:30 p.m., the event raises $1,000 to $1,200 every year for the foundation, which in the coming year has pledged to contribute $750,000 toward the coming renovations at the hospital, Ruyter said.
“We would not be able to do projects like this if we did not have support from the foundation,” she said. “It’s the people in the community that support the foundation, and every little bit helps.”
At the center of each tea sitting will be the surprise menu for a light but full meal and a performance by The Village Singers from Sheldon, Iowa’s Village Northwest, a group of talented individuals who are also mentally and physically disabled.
“Their singing is very humbling and Christian,” Ruyter said. “You almost have to see it to believe it, they’re so special with their talents. You walk away with a whole different feeling about the holiday season when you listen to them.”
The special event is open to no more than 100 people and proceeds go to the Jackson Health Care Foundation, a non-profit organization separate from Sanford Jackson Medical Center. The foundation also supports the local ambulance team and educational opportunities in the community. The display case at the hospital is another fundraising opportunity for people to support the foundation.
In addition to the commemorative teacups, a limited number of the tea set’s collectible teapots are still available. To reserve one, call Cissa Tusa at Bank Midwest.
Tickets for the 2009 Christmas Tea can be purchased at the hospital, Bank Midwest or from Daryl “Barney” Olson.
