WYES supporters enjoyed a fanciful high tea party together, but apart. A Zoom broadcast showcased participants’ attire, hats, tea services and themed setups, including a “Christmas with the Grinch” tea party by Kathleen Mix and Carol Short; a decadent tea at the Windsor Court with Dorothy Clyne and her guests; The Elms Mansion where Event Chair Laurie Guillaume sat with TV news celebrity Tamica Lee and Event Co-Chair Karen Coaxum at Sandra Thompson Herman’s home for an elegant period tea.
Guests received two different teas from presenting sponsor Harney & Sons as well as a cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes. Sales Director and Event Manager of The Elms Mansion Jessica Serrano shared “Mansion Mar-TEAni” cocktail and “Harney & Sons Earl Grey Mock-tini” recipes for all to savor.
WYES Producer Peggy Scott Laborde hosted the program on Zoom. Two international tea authorities served as guest speakers: James Norwood Pratt, elected “Best Tea Educator” for four successive years, spoke about “The History of Tea,” and Bruce Richardson, named Tea Master for the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, discussed “Tea Rituals Around the World.” Participants were encouraged to be part of the Best Hat contest judged by legendary former news anchor Angela Hill. There was a tie for the winner of Most Elegant: Deb Elam and Stephanie Burks. The Most Festive was awarded to Heather Travis, the Most Thematic to Sandra Chaisson and the Best Group Theme to Sandra Thompson Herman’s group. WYES’ Winnie Brown shared “WYES Home for the Holidays Online Auction” highlights, which ran for a week before the bidding closed. Laurie Guillaume served as Event Chair, with Co-Chairs Karen Coaxum, Michelle Dodenhoff and Anne Redd. The event committee consisted of 55 ladies dedicated to making the event a success.
WYES is the oldest public television station serving southeast Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the 12th oldest in the nation and the most utilized nonprofit in the two states, with as many as half a million people using the broadcasts, website and outreach activities each week. Funds raised from the event help support award-winning local documentaries, cooking shows and other quality local programming, as well as provide community outreach with a focus on at-risk populations.
➺ Event at a Glance
What: “Holiday Par-TEA presented by Harney & Sons,” benefiting WYES
When: Thursday, December 10, 2020
Where: Zoom and small groups in-person