The time is quickly approaching for LBCC's 5th annual Teddy Bear Tea and Auction.
The LBCC Foundation has hosted the Teddy Bear Tea and Auction since 2006. Each year has a different theme, and this year's is Bears Around the World. The event will be held Thursday, April 28, in the LBCCs commons. For $10, you get to attend the event and enjoy tea and other tasty treats that fit the theme. You also get the opportunity to buy raffle tickets and put them in drawings to win one of the baskets that have been donated by local businesses, companies, or groups. In addition to the raffle, there are live and silent auctions you may take part in. All the proceeds go the LBCC Foundation fund, which supports college programs, students, equipment, and other academic needs.
Past LBCC president, Rita Cavin, came up with the idea to start the tea, and Paulette Myers has been the coordinator of all five events. The first tea was the only theme less one and the four years following the original tea have all had different themes: Bears at the Circus, Bears on Picnic, Bears on Safari, and this year's, Bears Around the World.
Around 50 baskets have been donated to be raffled off at this years tea. Each basket contains a bear, and any other goodies the business or group decide to fill it with. Many businesses put gift certificates in their basket, which can be of huge value, and include other items that pertain to their business. Some groups get really creative to make sure their basket stands out. "The PEO Sisterhood of Sweet Home did a basket one year, and they got a huge laundry basket and they filled it with books. They had each of their members find a book to put in it and the title had to be the same initials as their name. They put an alphabet quilt in there too, it was really nice," explained Paulette Myers, the current coordinator of the tea and member of the Foundation board.
The baskets range in value, with the average falling at about $50-$80. Some of the donors go far beyond that, though. "Central Willamette Community Credit Union, Barrett Business Services Inc., and The Corvallis Clinic have all done baskets that are upwards of $300," Meyer said.
The raffle fun isn't just for the adults though. Many children attend the tea, so to make sure they have a good time, the Foundation sets up about five baskets that are only for children to put their tickets in. "Its hard to pick a favorite part of the tea, but I really like to watch the kids choose which basket they are going to put their ticket in, and I like to see them win. They get so excited," said Roxie Putman, who has been an attendee of all past four teas.
The generosity of the donors is one of the things that makes this event very special. The other is the food! "We always serve tea, and lemonade for kids. Every year we match the treats to what the theme is. Last year was Bears on Safari and we had tropical and exotic foods. This year is Bears Around the World, so instead of traditional crumpets and sandwiches, we are doing cake pops and creme puffs for France, pizzas for Italy, vegetable spring rolls for Asia, taquitos for South America... Oh! And everything is little and mini, all the food is miniature," Myers said.
The foundation is hoping to raise $3000 at the Teddy Bear Tea and Auction this year. To find out about reservation availability so you can join in the festivities, you can contact Foundations at (541)917-4209, or email them at foundations.linnbenton.edu.
AT A GLANCE
WHAT: The 5th Annual Teddy Bear Tea and Auction, themed Bears Around the World
WHO: hosted by the LBCC Foundation
WHEN: Thursday April 28, 2011 from 4:30 pm- 6 pm
WHERE: the Commons, second floor in Calapooia Center at the LBCC Albany campus
WHY: To enjoy tea and snacks and to participate in raffles and auctions to win bear gift baskets that have been donated by various local businesses, companies, and groups, all to benefit the LBCC Foundation Education Fund, which supports college programs, students, equipment, and other academic needs.
HOW: you can call (541)917-4209 or email foundation@linnbenton.edu to make reservations by Friday, April 22. You may still call after April 22, but reservation space may not be available.
No comments:
Post a Comment