The Thanks for Caring - A Christmas Tea Fundraiser happens Nov. 25 and more than a month in advance of the event, tickets were sold out.
There’s a waiting list and a few tickets have come up for grabs, but the fundraiser that supports the Langley Christmas Bureau has never failed to fill the venue.
The event is organized by volunteers with support from volunteer helpers, many of whom return year after year. It started as the Mayors’ Wives Tea back in 2012 and has evolved into the Christmas tea.
One hundred per cent of the funds and donated items go to the bureau, because sponsors cover all the costs, and the event is sold out each year. It can’t just be for the opportunity to wear a fascinator.
Organizers have a few ideas about why the afternoon tea with live entertainment and other attractions continues to be so popular.
“I think because it’s a nice family event and it’s a reasonably priced event,” said Kirsten Charlesworth, on the organizing committee. “For $30 you get a really nice day. I think it’s an event that people can relate to.”
She said the bureau has helped so many families over the years that people have that direct connection to the good work of the organization.
The volunteers who organize this are open to a second event but must ensure a couple of criteria first. Those include being able to sell a second set of 500 tickets and making sure there is sponsorship to cover all costs so all the funds go to the cause.
“We would want to keep that the same,” Charlesworth said.
People hoping for tickets can get on a waitlist through the event’s Facebook page (Thanks for Caring - A Christmas Tea Fundraiser).
She noted that there are always people unable to attend so their tickets are made available through the waitlist.
Those lucky enough to get into the tea will get to see Australian native Adam Lucas in his tribute to Michael Bublé, take part in the silent auction, enjoy afternoon tea, and more. The dress code is high tea formal.