55th Annual International Tea

The 55th Annual International Tea – A Fund Raiser in support of the Michigan 4-H IFYE Program Michigan Division of Woman’s National Farm & Garden Association held the 55th annual International Tea on September 17, 2008.  The Tea was hosted by the Flint Branch and held at the Flint Institute of Music.

One hundred and forty two members and guests attended.  The purpose of the tea was to raise money for the 4-H International Youth Exchange Program.  Michigan Division has been a long term supporter of the Michigan 4-H Foundation and 4-H activities in the state of Michigan.

The Flint Institute of Music proved to be the perfect setting for the Tea. The tables were set in the atrium of the building, with views of interior gardens.  Food was provided by the members of the Flint Branch and the Michigan Division Board members.  There was a wonderful selection of sweets and savories.  Each table was set with lovely matching china.  Members of the Flint Branch served tea to each table as well as keeping cookie and sandwich trays filled.  There was an abundance of food, all beautifully served.

Division President, Louise Shoksnyder, greeted those in attendance and introduced the guests and
acknowledged those who were responsible for the day.  Cheryl Howell, Executive Director of the 4-H Foundation of Michigan was present and well as Renee Applegate, 4-H Youth Educator and State 4-H International Exchange Coordinator.  Renee spoke of the current students abroad.  Louise introduced Janice Pike, Flint Branch President, and thanked the Branch for their efforts.  She also acknowledged Kay Engelhart, International Concerns and International Tea Chairman for Michigan Division.  Kay worked with the Flint Branch to pull the Tea together.

Claudia Scioly, Michigan 4-H Foundation Board of Trustee, was also introduced.  Claudia is also the Rural/Urban Chairman for the Michigan Division Board.  Mr. Paul Torre, President of the Flint Institute of Michigan, greeted us and told us a bit about the Institute.

After the Tea was through, we walked a short distance to the Apple Wood Estate, home of the Mott family of Flint.  The house is surrounded by outstanding gardens, and even in early fall, they were beautiful.  September 17 proved to be a glorious fall day and members were glad to stroll through the gardens.  We were provided with very knowledgeable guides, who took groups through the gardens and provided information about the various areas of the estate grounds.  From a rose garden to an apple orchard, the Estate had beautifully manicured beds and specimen trees that make it truly a memorable garden.  Large golf type carts were provided for those who were unable to walk the distance around the estate.  It was a wonderful tour.

The main reason for this affair was to provide funds for the IFYE Program.  We feel the 55th International Tea was very successful and that a healthy check will be provided to the 4-H Foundation.

Louise Mattick Shoksnyder