DALLAS — The Altar and Rosary Society of Gate of Heaven Church held its 61th annual Birthday Tea on Sept. 24.
The tea is the society’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Nearly 150 guests attended the event.
Each table was decorated to reflect month. This year’s table themes were: ‘New Year’s Eve’ by Sharon Lumbis, Marianne Cogan, Linda Traver, Dolly Hoffman, Pauline Solinski; ‘April Showers Bring May Flowers’ by Grace and Valerie Aiello; ‘Our Lady of Fatima 100th Anniversary’ by Sunny Cesarini, Angie Murray, Rose Schmid, Ruth Hartzel, Ann Marie Gries, Patty Price; ‘Remembering the Gate of Heaven Church Bazaar’ by Kathy Selner and Mary Ann Hardisky; ‘Aloha August’ by Annette Devaney and Amy Clark; ‘Autumn Blessings’ by Renee Benedetti; ‘Memento Mori’ by Amy and Grace Huntington; ‘O Holy Night’ by Dede Scafella and Beth Bessmer.
The Rev. Daniel A. Toomey started the afternoon with remarks and a blessing.
Altar and Rosary Society President Renee Benedetti welcomed the crowd and introduced this year’s officers and each table hostess and their table’s theme.
The format for the day started with table browsing, the welcome remarks followed by a Social Hour, music, and refreshments.
A raffle was held and door prizes were awarded.
Chairpersons for the event were Renee Benedetti, Sharon Lumbis, Marianne Cogan, Dolly Hoffman, Linda Traver, Pauline Solinski, and Carol Carroll for managing the kitchen with help from a few confirmation class students earning service hours.
The Altar and Rosary Society of Gate of Heaven Church held its 61th annual Birthday Tea on Sept. 24. From left, first row, Renee Benedetti, Marianne Cogan, Linda Traver, Rose Schmid, Kathy Selnerand Mary Ann Hardisky. Second row, the Rev. Daniel A. Toomey, Dede Scafella, Grace Aiello, Ruth Hartzel, Pauline Solinski and Sharon Lumbis. Third row, Valerie Aiello, Sunny Cesarini, Annette Devaney, Grace Huntington and Amy Huntington. Fourth row, Beth Bessmer, Amy Clark, Patty Price, Angie Murray.