Tea Parties Raise $10,000 for Women in Transition

Tea with a purpose
Monthly teas turned into nonprofit ministry to help women in transition

You never know where a passion for pretty things will lead you. Thada Ziegler's love of teacups, beautiful dishes and vintage silver led her – and her husband – to sleeping in a closet.

"My husband and I are nuts about estate sales," Thada said. Over time she developed a huge collection of teacups and related serving items.

A volunteer coordinator at the Union Gospel Mission [in Spokane, WA], where Ziegler helped out, knew of her collection and suggested Ziegler host a tea for the residents of Anna Ogden Hall.

Ziegler and her husband love to entertain and agreed to host the tea. She knew the dining room in their Colbert home wasn't big enough to accommodate a large group. But, their master bedroom was huge. Her husband Warren, moved their king-size bed into the walk-in closet. Three years later, it's still there.

"That first tea was so much fun." Ziegler said. She knew she wanted to do it again, and decided to use all the proceeds to raise money for Ogden Hall.

Soon Ziegler was hosting teas every month, and Taste and See Ministries was born. Wide French doors open to reveal Ziegler's former bedroom transformed into a charming tea parlor. A garden-themed mural arches over one wall, and sunlight pours through the windows. Crystal water goblets sparkle.

Tables topped with lace are set with heavy silver and delicate cups and saucers. Fringed lamps and fragile china rest on lovingly restored side tables. Hand embroidered vintage napkins and antique linens add to the old-world feel of the room.

"I love to hear women laughing," Ziegler said. "I like to pamper them."

In two years Taste and See raised $10,000 for Anna Odgen Hall. Recently, Jan Pike, a former customer, started helping Ziegler with the teas. The ladies also began teaching a class at Ogden Hall called, Tea 101. The class covers everything from how to set a proper table to the history of tea. At the end of the class, Pike and Ziegler host a tea party for the residents who've completed the course. "The women are transformed," said Pike.

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