Circle of Hope Inc.’s annual tea began 21 years ago in Colleen Shaffer’s very own backyard to help provide financial aid for cancer patients in need.
But because the organization couldn’t afford to rent dishes, the group members made the decision to bring their own tea sets to participate in the inaugural tea held in Shaffer’s driveway, she said.
Only 10 tables for approximately 100 people were able to fit on her property, and “for three days, I couldn’t use my driveway, or get to my car,” she said as she chuckled.
Now, over two decades later, what started as a few tables in a backyard, has expanded to an annual event in which local leaders and community members dress up to different themes, decorate their tables, and engage in an afternoon indulging on scones, savories, mini-sandwiches and clinking their tea cups with one another for a cause.
Circle of Hope held its annual tea recently at the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center and welcomed over 200 guests for this year’s theme, “Happily Ever Afternoon Tea,” an enchanting experience filled with storybook themes.
Some tables were decorated with fairies, and villains, while others paid homage to classic stories like “Charlotte’s Web,” “Cinderella,” “Little Red Riding Hood” and “The Ugly Duckling.”
The theme of this year’s tea was also a way for newcomers to learn about “our story and what we do,” said Circle of Hope Event Chair Danyelle Sanders.
The local organization helps uninsured and underinsured cancer patients, their families and caretakers through emotional, educational and financial assistance, Sanders said, and patients with all forms of cancer are welcome.
Going along with the theme of story books and fairytales, a handful of current patients were able to write and publish their first book.
The event was primarily sponsored by UCLA Health, and KTLA 5 television news anchor Sandra Mitchell was a special guest speaker.
As the women made up of all ages took their seats to enjoy a cup of afternoon tea, Shaffer said she never expected Circle of Hope to grow at the magnitude that it has.
As a cancer patient herself, she’s just grateful that the community is as passionate as she is about helping other patients battle the illness, and hopes it serves as an inspiration.
“If you can break the fear, if you can educate, if you can provide hope, you will survive,” Shaffer said.
