Cherry Hill, NJ – St. Thomas Greek Orthodox church was the scene of this annual event. When one thinks of spring, one often thinks of Paris. This past weekend, the Daughters of Penelope “NIKE” chapter #230 hosted it’s annual fundraiser event, under the theme of “Spring Time in Paris, Tea Party”. The annual event changes themes from year to year, and raises funds for a variety of organizations across the Delaware Valley, like the Jim Fifis Lung Cancer Research Fund at Cooper Hospital; Healthy Mothers/Healthy Babies, Camden, NJ; and Penelope House and Penelope Place Family Violence Centers to name a few.

Truly remarkable about this event is the fact that the Daughters plan for it nearly 9 months out and is completed donated by all the following sponsors.

Adelphia Restaurant
Ponzio’s Diner
Club Diner
Penn Queen Diner
Kuzina by Sofia
Premier Designs by Dena Deihl
Decorations and Invitations by Vi
Flagg’s Garden Center
Sweet Jonz Dessert Cafe
Lacas Coffee
Andreotti’s Restaurant and Catering
Bare Skin Laser
Diamond Diner
Cafe Aldo Lamberti
Georgia’s Furs
Marlene’s Dress Shop

The event kicked off with a presentation by Chris Fifis, son of the late Jim Fifis and recognized the Lung Cancer Research Fund at Cooper hospital. Sponsored by Marlene’s and Georgia’s Furs & Leathers, the fashion show was the main attraction which kept all eyes focused on the Eiffel Tower decorated runway. One by one, the models showed off their stuff as tea was poured. Following a raffle ticket drawing, the hat contests kept the guests guessing who had the coolest hat. A few French Beret’s even managed to make it in to the event, honoring the French tradition; while contestants looked on in anticipation of a victory.

The event concluded with struts down the runway by all the contestants of the hat contest (for both Adult ladies and children) and winners being picked and given gift baskets.

Hat’s off to the Daughters of Penelope “Nike” chapter 230, for their continuing philanthropic efforts.