There's no better time that's suited for tea than a bright and sunny Sunday afternoon.
The Order of the Eastern Star, Nechako chapter 40 held their annual Leap Into Spring fundraising event at the Masonic Hall that saw about 45 enthusiastic participants spring into action during the live auction.
There are certain handmade items that are much coveted by the in-crowd which results in lots of paddle-waving and raised voices during the rapid-fire volleying of bids. The rest of the interesting items are donated by local businesses.
"We've been doing this event for at least 20 years," Dianne Graham, organizer of the annual event and treasure for the Eastern Star, said.
All funds raised from this event go into the annual coffers and a portion of that goes to local charities while supporting the Order of the Eastern Star projects including cancer dressings for local patients. Last year the members of the philanthropic service group donated 403 volunteer hours to create and donate 10,252 dressings to patients at the hospital, the cancer clinic and any other member of the community in need.
"We also have the Comfort Fund that's with the Cancer Agency that offers patients that come into town who need help with things like transportation, a place to stay, and we've even helped out people with dentures after their cancer treatment as well as provided some wigs," said Graham. "The Cancer Agency manages the fund and we support it through our fundraising."
Last year the group held fundraisers in order to offer support outside local charities and those funds were donated to the B.C. and Alberta Guide Dogs program.
During the tea Sunday afternoon guests not only enjoyed bidding on a variety of items, they also indulged in sweet treats provided by members of the group to go along with their tea and coffee.
"We always have a lot of fun at these events," Graham said with a smile as enthusiastic bidders shouted out dollar figures trying to outbid each other for the next item.
