The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.’s Annual High Tea is always a delightful event, and this year’s theme helped to make it a unique cultural affair. The High Tea was held in honor of the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrating the Year of the Rooster. Mrs. Barbara Ross President of the Foundation Board of Directors and Mrs. Billie Klan hosted the event with great enthusiasm, creating a celebratory and elegant atmosphere.

Delectable treats served at the event on a three-tiered stand

Delectable treats served at the event on a three-tiered stand

The event was held on Saturday, January 28th in the Fireside Room of the Hotel Sorrento, renowned for having one of Seattle’s finest tea services. The room was decorated with colorful Chinese lanterns and fans. Fun and unique items for the silent auction lined the walls representing the many cultures of Asia and the traditions surrounding Lunar New Year.

Tea service featured an array of hand-selected varietal teas available that guests were invited to choose from. The hotel’s in-house Pastry Chef prepared delectable treats, including muffins, scones, cucumber and deviled ham sandwiches, chicken salad and swiss & leek quiches, fruit tarts, eclairs, chocolate dipped strawberries and more. Billie Klan provided special gifts for every guest which included a Chinese takeout box filled with New Year’s goodies and specially made fortune cookies containing words from the Lighthouse Top Ten Values.

Billie spoke on the history behind the Lunar New Year and meaning behind the gifts that guests received in their take-away boxes. Orange slices represent oranges that are given in China for good luck, and chocolate coins represent real money that is traditionally given by married couples to young people on New Year’s Day. Guests were also encouraged to call out their year of birth and Billie would inform them of their Chinese Zodiac Sign. Quite a few people attending were born in the Year of the Boar. Barbara spoke on the history of the Lighthouse and our hopes for the future. “Our goal is to provide livable wage jobs, and help lower the unemployment rate of skilled people who are blind in communities across the nation.”

An array of tea kettles on a table, prepared for the event.

An array of tea kettles on a table, prepared for the event.

Bidding on silent auction items continued to the very end of the event, but everyone walked away with a memento of the afternoon and memories of a very special afternoon. All of the proceeds earned at this event benefitted The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. and its mission to support independence and employment for people who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities.

We would like to thank everyone who attended with special thanks to Barbara Ross and Billie Klan for being such excellent hosts. Thanks also goes to our volunteers Pankaj Luthra for taking great pictures and Ari Coalman for helping to decorate the room and register guests. The Lighthouse is truly fortunate to have such great and talented people who are advancing our mission and creating fun at the same time.