Victorian Tea Party raises $3,000 for Pine Plains Free Library

PINE PLAINS — The Friends of the Pine Plains Free Library hosted a Victorian Tea Party fundraiser at the Mashomack Fish and Game Reserve on Sunday, May 15. Despite the British weather, Mashomack hosted a full house, raising more than $3,000 that will be used to buy items for the library that aren’t covered by its official budget.Party attendees were served afternoon tea, followed by finger sandwiches and desserts. Harney & Sons Fine Tea donated two flavors of tea for the event and more than 600 cups of tea were served throughout the afternoon.This was the second tea party hosted at Mashomack in support of the Pine Plains Free Library. The first one, held in 2009, raised enough money to purchase an antique cabinet that is now used to house important books in the library.Nearly 100 people attended the event, including local school teachers, library patrons and area residents.The Friends of the Pine Plains Free Library holds fundraisers throughout the year. The money from these events goes toward purchasing books and equipment and supporting library programs such as the summer reading program.“When we do a fundraiser, we try to do something fun that the local community will enjoy,” said the Friends President Nancy Ward. After the great success of the 2009 Victorian Tea Party and the overwhelmingly positive feedback from the community, the Friends decided to revive the event.The fundraiser was made possible by donations from local businesses. Ronnybrook Farms donated the clotted cream. Bounce Central donated all rental items, including the teacups. Moore & More Printing donated printed items. Mashomack donated the premises and the service.“We’re very happy to support the local community,” said Shelley McNeil, the dining room manager at Mashomack. “It’s a great event and a great cause, and it gives the community the opportunity to visit the building when they normally wouldn’t get the chance.”Pat Mara organized the event with Mashomack. The executive chef, Darryl Ford, planned and prepared the meal with the help of Culinary Institute of America students.The guests supped in the rooms on the first floor of the club house at Mashomack, including in the original dining room, which features scenic wallpaper printed from engraved blocks designed by Jean Zuber, whose work also adorns the walls of the White House. Attendees also enjoyed other artwork on display, including original paintings from local artists, photographs, prints and small statues.