A packed house – or barn, more appropriately – made for a festive and successful fundraising Tea and Trumpets gathering on Saturday, May 6, hosted in The Barn at Lorina’s Edible Garden in Escalon.
Sponsored by the Escalon Chamber of Commerce, the event is designed as a fundraiser to support arts and music education in Escalon schools as well as provide scholarships to graduating students. Coordinator Sonya Huff welcomed the crowd, who turned out to enjoy a wide variety of teas, sandwiches, fruit and sweets. There was live entertainment with singer/songwriter Kaylee Wilson taking center stage, the chance to purchase and keep a special tea cup to commemorate the occasion and a table full of raffle prizes. Also, a ‘Best Hat’ contest was hosted and the winner, receiving a special tiara, was young attendee, six-year-old Penelope Adelman.
Many people donned their best hats and tables were full of sippers, taking advantage of the opportunity to attend a formal tea party while also helping provide for the fine arts.
Huff detailed a story about doing art in the local schools and how one year, a student was adamant about not participating. But, as the year wore on, the student – watching from afar at first – began to gain an interest in the various projects and by the end of the year, was enjoying the art class. The next year, arriving on campus to teach art again, Huff, remembering the day with emotion, said the student hollered out to her from across the campus, excited to be a part of the class.
She was also excited to see the turnout on Saturday for the fundraiser.
“I think it’s a really great return from COVID, I think everybody is enjoying themselves, getting out, even with the little cloudy weather,” Huff explained.
With proceeds of the day going to support music and arts for local students, Huff was appreciative of those that came to tea.
“It’s magical, that’s how much it warms my heart, it’s magical,” she said. “It gives me goosebumps talking about it, explaining why we do what we do and what it helps, who it helps. And in those nice little respects, it fills my heart over and over again.”
Volunteers, many of them involved in arts and music in local schools, along with several more from various clubs on campuses, received a volunteer certificate that they can include with future scholarship and/or college applications, Huff added.
“I see lots of teachers from a lot of the schools I go to and tons of the community here, lots of small business owners as well,” Huff said. “It’s fantastic.”
Among the volunteer servers was Escalon High School freshman Drew Bellinger, who earned some community service hours for CSF, California Scholarship Federation.
“I’m a little nervous but it has been nice,” he said of serving up hot tea at multiple tables set up in The Barn venue. “I’m hoping I don’t mess up; I’m just taking tea, making sure everyone has some.”
Fellow freshman Marley Huff, who has been involved in Tea and Trumpets with her mom for years, said it is an event she always enjoys.
“I love the people and I love helping people,” the teen said, adding she played clarinet in band for about five years and is hoping to pursue a career in the arts. “Beyond high school, I would love to be an actress one day.”
