By Madeline Zuckerman
Mama’s House Ministries hosted an elegant Inaugural Tea recently, and this not-to-be-missed elegant event celebrated this nonprofit’s 12th successful year of providing a safe, supportive, loving, and nurturing home for women in crisis, whether pregnant or with an infant, who have no place to go and no means of support.
Over 70 beautifully dressed ladies, adorned in their finest millinery creations, attended the event at the stunning desert residence of Karen Miles. Hosted by Sherrie Auen, Jan Lupia, Founder of Mama’s House, and Karen Miles, and chaired by Cathy Beninati, all guests in attendance were there for all the right reasons — to support the life-impacting work Mama’s House is doing for mothers and their children in our Valley.
“Thank you to Sherrie Auen for the idea, for your encouragement, and for your support,” said Jan Lupia, Founder of Mama’s House. “Thank you to Karen Miles for graciously allowing us to use your magnificent home, and thank you to our amazing event chair, Cathy Beninati. This event would not have happened without Cathy’s tea expertise, and only God knew how much we needed her! Thank you to Si Bon’s Phillipe and Pascal, for your delicacies and presentation which were exquisite. Thank you to Joyce Bulifant for entertaining us in your beautiful and unique way. And, thank you to all who attended in support of Mama’s House – – you are the BEST!”
The organization’s new and expansive Anne Silverstein Campus for Mama’s House offers mothers and their children shelter and an extensive one-of-a-kind program of HOPE. Mama’s House helps mothers find the courage to carry their babies to term or to parent when facing uncertainty and hurdles. With its highly successful, faith-based Pathway To Success Program, Mama’s House offers a once-in-a-lifetime “hands up” opportunity for these vulnerable women wishing to change their situations, in order to face a brighter future for themselves and for their children.
In addition to a fine selection of organic Earl Grey, organic Jasmine and White Ginger Pear teas, guests were treated to culinary delights from highly-acclaimed Si Bon Restaurant & Catering. Si Bon’s Chef/Owner, Philippe Caupain, along with the restaurant’s Executive Chef, Pascal Lallemand, personally were on hand to serve the delicious tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and other delectable pastries. Everyone enjoyed the tea sandwiches, featuring Mandrange Ham & Gruyere on Pumpernickel, Roast Beef on Onion Bread, Smoked Salmon with Herb Goat Cheese on Rye, Classic Cucumber and Dill on White, Alfalfa, Radish, & Watercress Pinwheel, and Tomato Basil on Whole Grain. The scrumptious freshly-baked scones accompanied with jams, included Maple Walnut, Blueberry Glazed Lemon, and Strawberries with Crème Fraiche and Chantilly. The delicious pastries consisted of Grand Marnier and Chocolate Eclairs, Lemon Meringue Tarts, and Mixed Berry Tarts.
“I love to do tea parties, so it was lovely that I was asked to chair this Inaugural Tea,” said Cathy Beninati. “I have been doing tea parties for over 30 years. My mother did tea parties, so I grew up with that, and my grandmother was English. For me, this event was a success because it brought awareness about the life-changing work Mama’s House is doing. My heart and passion my whole adult life – – being a child advocate – – has been about helping mothers and babies. This is what it is all about.”
Actress and Book Author, Joyce Bulifant, provided the entertainment with her one-woman show “Remembering Helen Hayes With Love,” giving guests a unique glimpse into her life with her former mother-in-law Helen Hayes. Her presentation was humorous, brilliant, inspirational and spot-on. Guests were able to purchase Bulifant’s latest book entitled “My Four Hollywood Husbands,” which she autographed during the Tea, graciously donating back a percentage of sales to Mama’s House.
An exciting raffle ensued featuring three complete sets of Sterling Silver Tea Spoons, an Italian Basket of assorted goodies; Dinner And Movie at The River; a Si Bon Cooking Class with Executive Chef Pascal; and a four-day, three-night stay at the Marriott Newport Coast Villas, including a $300 credit to use on the property. Karen Miles won the Hat Contest, receiving a Gift Certificate to Coco Rose.
Seen in the crowd were Antoinette Clancy, Catharine Reed, Edie McCarthy, Phyllis Eisenberg, Judy Sanders, Kay Hanson, Rhonda Smith, Linda Rider, Maurae Quigley, Dori Anderson, Debbie Dilucchio, Rachel Harrington, Jan Dow, Pat Harris, Mary Heckmann, Suzy Houser, Tricia Prentice, Judy Sanders, Gen Wangler, Joyce Stein, Ellen Schaller, and Judy Seal.
At the conclusion of the tea, guests took home the tea cup they had sipped from during the event as a special thank you gift!
For information on Mama’s House or to take a private tour of the new Anne Silverstein Campus for Mama’s House please call 844-232-8622 or visit www.themamashouse.org
