The Matthews Woman’s Club Service League’s 24th Victorian Teas held in December 2013 generated more than $7,000 that will be granted to Matthews, NC area community service and non-profit organizations during an April awards ceremony.
This year’s award grants will be announced and presented to fifteen Matthews area community service organizations at the April 10 club meeting. “Our most joyful meeting takes place in April when our grant recipients receive their checks and tell us how they will use these funds”, said Joanne McMurtrie, Club President. “This is when we celebrate our reason for holding the teas.” Past recipients have included the Matthews Police Department, the Matthews Volunteer Fire Department and the Matthews Help Center.
The Matthews Woman’s Club Service League (MWCSL) was founded in 1988 and currently has more than sixty members who live in Matthews and the surrounding area. The Town of Matthews has a population of over 28,000 residents and is in the suburban Charlotte, NC metro area.
“The Matthews Woman’s Club Service League is dedicated to community improvement through volunteer service”, said McMurtrie, “Our purpose is to know and understand others better while raising funds to support non-profit organizations in the Matthews area.” The club supports its mission with several fundraising activities throughout the year and the members participate in a number of friendship clubs to share fun and social time.
The Victorian Teas are the club’s signature fundraiser and are held in the historic 1890 Reid House in downtown Matthews. Young carolers in Victorian costume greet guests arriving at the beautifully decorated Reid House. A harpist plays soft music while guests dine on tea and a selection of savories and sweets. Guests are entertained by a historic re-enactor and a longtime Matthews resident provides insight into the history of the Town of Matthews. The teas conclude with a trip to the Christmas boutique in the carriage house.
In 2003 in a deliberate move to raise more money, club members decided to do all of the work instead of having the teas catered. What began as a catered two-tea event in 1989 has grown to seven teas in 2013 that were attended by more than 500 guests, many who have attended year after year. The silver anniversary Victorian Teas will be held at the Reid House December 4 to 7, 2014. The popular event will be expanded this year to eight teas to accommodate more guests.
For more information visit www.matthewswomen.org.