Local group raises money, awareness for orphans in Haiti

Culpeper resident Carol Galloway passes a plate of pastries and fruit cups to guests attending Sunday's tea party inside St. Stephens parish hall. The event was to raise money and awareness for the Food for the Poor organization to help Haiti.

By: Rhonda Simmons | Culpeper Star-Exponent
Published: August 30, 2010

A group of well-dressed women donning stylish hats — along with a handful of men — gathered inside St. Stephen’s parish hall Sunday for an elegant tea party to help raise money and awareness for severely disabled orphans in Haiti.

The grassroots group, World Without End, is helping Little Children of Jesus Home through the Food for the Poor organization. Fundraising director Lina Marengo-Frank said she hopes Sunday’s benefit would raise more than $3,600 to help rebuild a home destroyed during January’s devastating earthquake in Haiti.

In March, the group also raised $1,000 toward the effort.

Elegant three-tiered plates — located on shimmery, gold tablecloths — held delicious finger sandwiches and pastries while about 60 guests sipped on English Breakfast tea. Each ticket costs $30.

The ladies also sold tea and coffee baskets, autographed photos and an antique print to help raise money.

“I think the tea party is very successful and I want to thank the community for all of its support,” said Marengo-Frank, adding that the heirloom ceramic dinnerware used for Sunday’s event was donated by the hostesses.

Betty Jean Franklin, who spearheaded the local initiative, and Kitty Whitman also spoke during Sunday’s benefit.

For the finale, the chef served sugar cookies with the word “Haiti” written on them in cursive.