Fundraiser Tea at the former Hudson Home

The fundraiser Afternoon Tea benefiting Little Angels school in Nigeria, held at the former home of J.L. Hudson, took place Sunday afternoon, February 15, 2015.  

It was a bitter cold afternoon [-6 degrees] but that didn't stop over 50 guests from coming out to enjoy Afternoon Tea, hear a program about J.L. Hudson and his magnificent department store, and support a worthy cause. Pictured below is the program cover from the event.

I had the privilege of meeting some of the lovely people who read my blog, and I'm happy to report I received an e-mail from Sister Rosemarie this morning informing me that $1,594.00 was raised for the mission project.  Heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and made this event a huge success.

The buffet tea and informal self-guided tour of the former Hudson home didn't begin until 2:00 p.m., but I arrived at 11:00 a.m. to set-up.  I used my two silver tea sets, and positioned one on each end of the buffet table. Back in the day, I'm sure J.L. Hudson's household had sterling silver tea sets, but my silver plate sets sparkled just like the real deal! ;-)  The set on the right was my mother's that she received for her 25th Wedding Anniversary.

I collected the clear glass snack sets when I had aspirations of opening a tea room.  They worked perfectly for the event.

Pictured next to me is my sweet girlfriend, Lori.  She poured tea from one of the sets. My girlfriend, Sandy, poured from the other.  Unfortunately I didn't get a photo of her.

Lori and her hubby, Rick.  He worked just as hard as Lori, gathering up snack sets from guests when they finished eating.  I'm so grateful for wonderful friends!

Living room set up and waiting for guests to arrive.

Ladies registering at the entry table. In the distance the beautiful oak library that the Sisters use as a chapel is visible.

~ My display of Hudson memorabilia. ~

~ My girlfriend's daughter, Kim. ~

  ~ A fund raising committee member ~

Two ladies enjoying tea together. The lady on the right was a former Hudson's employee at Northland Shopping Center.

Guests beginning to assemble in the living room for the program which started at 3:00 p.m.  

Sister Rosemarie gave her opening remarks and explained what the proceeds from the event went towards.

Then it was my turn to share highlights from the life of J.L. Hudson and his beloved department store, which in the 1960's was second only to Macy's N.Y.C. store.  Marshall Field's in Chicago was number three.  The guests were wonderfully attentive.  

One of the fundraising committee members gave me the adorable china Portmeirion teapot pin pictured below.

The fundraising committee sold items in the solarium, and I bought the china teacup below as a keepsake of the day.

It was a wonderful afternoon, and I'm so glad I had the privilege of being a part of it.  I like to think J.L. Hudson would have been very pleased that such a worthy event was held in his former home.