More than 160 people attended the YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc.’s 3rd Annual Victorian Tea fundraiser on Sunday, April 10, 2016 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Bush Memorial Hall on The Sage Colleges-Troy Campus. Dr. Lori V. Quigley, Dean of Education at the Esteves School of Education at The Sage Colleges, served as our Honorary Committee Chair for the event. It was a wonderful event full of fun, unique and moving entertainment, fancy hats, history, and of course, tea.
The event raised $14,500 (a more than thirty percent increase in net proceeds from the previous year). All proceeds from the Victorian Tea in Troy benefit the YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc., which strives to provide 360° of Support to encourage and empower women in need to meet their goals as well as become and maintain self-sufficiency.
The day’s events included a presentation of Victorian Dance from the students of Albany Academy for Girls Dance Workshop who performed six Isadora Duncan’s turn-of-the-century modern dance pieces such as, “Revolutionary.” Finn Jacobson-Schulte delighted tea goers with a piano solo of Victorian Music by performing Chopin’s Polonaise in F Sharp Minor, Op 44. The event capped off with a historical trolley tour of downtown Troy with a guide by Rensselaer County Historian, Kathy Sheehan from the Rensselaer County Historical Society.
1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes were awarded courtesy of Truly Rhe in our hat fashion show contest. Children enjoyed their own special menu and an arts and crafts corner sponsored by the Esteves School of Education. It was a perfect day for the whole family. More than $3,000 in prizes were raffled off: featuring luxury gift baskets for all tastes and pleasures, restaurant and shop gift certificates, entertainment tickets, and much, much, more.
“Each year the Victorian Tea in Troy brings a unique, fun and creative experience for our guests,” says Executive Director, Daquetta Jone. “Thank you to our wonderful Special Events Committee! I am delighted about this year’s success and look forward to next year’s Victorian Tea in Troy. From the entertainment, food, desserts, tea, the beautiful expanded location, to our nearly 40 volunteers from The Sage Colleges, YWCA-GCR staff and interns, community members; it was an empowering and beautiful event. Our success wouldn’t have been possible without our sponsors, honorary committee members, raffle donors, entertainers and guests support. I am grateful for all of our supporters as their investment helps the YWCA-GCR sustain, expand and enhance our unique cutting-edge services. They help us make a difference EVERY. SINGLE. DAY!”
The YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc.’s fundraisers are some of the largest special events in Troy, and are true community affairs. This event was a great chance to catch up with old friends, meet new ones, and network with business owners, patrons, and elected officials. City of TroyDeputy Mayor Monica Kurzejeski, Senator Neil Breslin and Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jimino were among us.
Women come to the YWCA-GCR in times of crisis, for safe, affordable and supportive housing, victim advocacy, help with addiction, job training and career counseling, and case management. We give women and women with children a second chance and a fresh start by providing temporary and permanent housing combined with 360° of Support in order to empower them to achieve their goals and become self-sufficient. Our supportive services are available to and are utilized by community members through My Sister’s Closet, Jamison-Rounds Ready for Work “Job Readiness Program”, Jamison-Rounds Ready for School Program, our Food Pantry and Weekly Community Meal. In addition, we provide Homeless Prevention and case management services to Rensselaer County residents facing eviction.
Sponsors for the event include: Stewart’s Shops, The Sage Colleges, Times Union, Corey Jamison Consulting , Dwight Plumbing & Heating, Jaeger & Flynn Associates, Tri-City Rentals, Ambient Environmental, Inc.,CUSTOMERcity, LLC, Desdelan Photography, Duncan & Cahill , E. Stewart Jones, Hacker Murphy, LLC, Halliday Financial, Lane Press, Senator Kathleen Marchione, Mosaic Associates Architects, Nicoll & MacChesney, SABIC Innovative Plastics, Sodexo, and The Whistling Kettle