Tea...rrific fun for a good cause

Handbags, hats and heels are being hauled out across the Bay in preparation for the Hats, Heels and High Tea party being held next Thursday at Mills Reef. The event is a fundraiser for the Tauranga Alzheimer's society. It was held for the first time last year and was the brainchild of a group of Tauranga ladies and organiser Jane Moore of the Alzheimer Society.

"High teas are back in fashion now. It is not just the older crowd who remember them first time around, but last year it was fantastic to see all ages attend. We decided to run the same event due to popular demand, and now this Tauranga imitative is being adopted by Alzheimer's Societies right across New Zealand," she said.

Guests are encouraged to dress up, with the hint being in the name, but there are no strict rules

"Be expressive. You can wear hats, heels and outfits from any era or make up something new if you like," Ms Moore said.

(Story continues below)

It is not just for the ladies, but guys are excused from the heels (unless you want to).

"Men are welcome and it would be lovely if they came in a lovely bow tie, or interesting shirt. But we are not going to turn people away," Ms Moore said.

Musical entertainment will be provided by singer, Ria Hall, a local woman supporting the community. She is well known by her inspired performance at the open ceremony of the Rugby World Cup and front woman for New Zealand band Hope Road.

Food will be provided by Mills Reef whose chef has just joined the restaurant from the Langham Hotel in Auckland, where high teas are a speciality

"Guests will be greeted with additional entertainment, by two young musicians from Otumoetai College, Josh Yong playing the keyboard and Hannah Renwick singing. Guests will also be welcomed with a glass of bubbles, and served fine pastries and delicious sandwiches."

No high tea would be complete without a selection of glorious leaves. These will be served in bone china teacups which are provided by members of the Alzheimer's Society.

"It's a great scene when you come in and see the china laid out. It reminds us of how marvellous it is to drink tea from a fine china cup," Ms Moore said.

After Ria's medley there will be a lively auction sponsored by Eves Realty with Grant Childs manning the hammer for more than 30 auction lots. Local businesses have donated an array of goods, the highlight being a "Girl's Day Out".

Alzheimer's Tauranga hopes the event will raise some much needed funds to help them support front line services to help people affected by dementia throughout the Western Bay of Plenty.

The event has again been supported by Gold Sponsor Jones & Company Funeral Directors, Caring for the community since 1909. They are joined in support by Silver Sponsor Althorp Hospital and Bronze sponsors, Sharp Tudhope Lawyers, Triac, Mainfreight, Guardian Trust, The Breeze, Mills Reef Winery and Eve's Realty have also supported this event.

The Fine Print

What: Hats, Heels and High Tea

When: March 15 at 4.30pm

Where: Mills Reef Winery.

How: Tickets are $75 per person. To book call Alzheimer's Tauranga on (07) 577 6344, from Smiths Sports Shoes, or SimpliFood, or email jane.moore@alzheimers.org.nz