When you volunteer to help BFF, you’re not making a lifetime commitment. But sometimes it feels that way.
The next fundraiser for BFF is the Victorian Tea, which will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9 at St. John’s Episcopal Church (66 Clinton Street, Cornwall).
Sally Wortmann is chairing the event along with Cynthia Leghorn (Mccracken), of Rock Tavern. Mrs. Wortmann is surprised that her colleague, a member of the church, is willing to travel so far to help organize the tea. Rock Tavern is not around the corner, but neither is the state of Florida, which is home to the Vatter family.
Margaret Vatter was a co-founder of BFF before she moved south. The distance hasn’t kept her away from the annual tea. Last year she made a special hat for the occasion, which she wore until she auctioned it off at the end of the event. The successful bidder parted with $100 and then graciously gave the hat to the woman bidding against him.
This year Mrs. Vatter created a quilt as a raffle prize. Despite the geographic separation, she’s still very much involved. It’s like being appointed to The Supreme Court. If you want the responsibility, it can stay with you for life.
At present BFF is providing weekend meals for about 70 Cornwall students who might otherwise go hungry. The volunteers stuff the food into backpacks and deliver them to the schools. The names of the recipients are kept confidential.
The tea party isn’t quite a meal. But people who attend the tea are likely to eat supper late that night. There’s a more than ample supply of pastries, muffins and miniature sandwiches. Afterwards, there’s a drawing for the numerous raffle prizes — including Mrs. Vatter’s quilt.
Last year’s festivities included all generations. Some of the best dressed people were under the age of 13. The high school’s Key Club helped with the serving.
The party also attracted both sexes. The men had their own table and merited a special introduction at the start of the repast.
If you’d like to attend the event, call Mrs. Wortmann at 534-7084 for a reservation and plan to pay at the door. She is encouraging people to bring their friends. She’s also looking for help.
Don’t be bashful about volunteering. You won’t be asked to sign up for life — at least not at the beginning.
