Bush Memorial Hall in Troy

The YWCA of the Greater Capital Region Inc. really knows how to put on a fundraiser!.

On Sunday, at Bush Memorial Hall on the Troy campus of Russell Sage College, the YWCA hosted "Victorian Tea in Troy" to benefit its various programs.

Those programs include Supportive Housing, Community Meal, Sally Catlin Resource Center, Food Pantry and My Sister's Closet as well as the various Jamison-Rounds Ready for Work, School and Life programs.

YWCA board member Theresa Moroukian, at right

An array of beautiful hats were worn by many of the women attending the benefit. Some of my favorites were those worn by Lisa Lagon, president of the YWCA's board of director, and my fellow board members Davia Collington, Meghan Keenholts, Theresa Moroukian, Colleen Paratore, Rhe Potenza, Lori Quigley and Beth Walsh. Also looking quite fashionable were YWCA Executive Director Daquetta P. Jones and Malissa Pilette-McClenon, the organization's director of fund development, as well as YWCA "godmothers" Phyllis Conroy and Mary Ann Willett.

Truly Rhe hat display at YWCA tea

I carried a hat into the event, but it remained on the seat next to me. Somehow, it looked so much better on the chair than on my head. I could have done so much better if I had stopped by Truly Rhe on Broadway in Troy to find a hat rather than digging one up from the back of my closet. Rhe had a terrific collection of hats, fascinators and other accessories on display at the event.

Sue McLane as "The Victorian Lady" did an admirable job speaking with us about all things tea.

Kudos to Sweet Sue's on River Street in Troy for its delicious assortment of sweets, fresh fruit, canapes and finger sandwiches. The array was beautiful to look at and even better to taste.

It was nice to share a table with Kathy Sheehan, registrar for the Rensselaer County Historical Society, and Rep. Paul Tonko, D-Amsterdam. Kathy was on hand to conduct the trolley tours of Troy offered to tea-goers at the conclusion of the event.

Congratulations to Kathy who was recently appointed historian for the city of Troy. There is no finer choice for the post than this lovely, knowledgeable lady!

Also on hand at the event was Kathy's co-worker, Stacey Draper, curator for the Rensselaer County Historical Society. Stacy brought a mini exhibit to the tea highlighting some of the YWCA's milestones in the city of Troy. Some really interesting items were on display.

One of the teapot centerpieces

The raffle prizes were amazing and I loved the teapots that decorated each of the tables. Board President Lisa Lagon, among others, worked hard to find these beautiful pieces of china that were filled with fresh flowers and raffled off to raise money for the YWCA.

The YWCA of the Greater Capital Region does a lot to improve the quality of life for area women and children and I'm proud to be a member of its board of directors.

Stay tuned as more good things are ahead for this organization!

"The Victorian Lady" Sue McLane

Tasty treats offered by Sweet Sue's of Troy