All set: Elegant tables on display for Tablescapes fundraiser

• By TABITHA REEVES The Winchester Star

• Mar 27, 2025

  
  

WINCHESTER — Setting the table isn’t just a childhood chore. For some, it’s a creative outlet, and for one local nonprofit organization, it’s a crucial fundraiser.

On Sunday, fanciful tablescapes will fill Millwood Station Events Center to benefit Wheels for Wellness. In addition to gaining inspiration on how to set a beautiful table, guests will be supporting the Winchester-based nonprofit’s mission of transporting local residents to medical appointments free of charge.

“I always call it an elegant afternoon,” said Traci Toth, executive director of Wheels for Wellness. “It’s a Sunday afternoon, best-dressed kind of thing. … Everyone just mingles and talks and eats and the time goes fast. It’s a really enjoyable afternoon.”

Formerly known as Faith in Action, Wheels for Wellness has been operational since 2004, providing thousands of rides to those who may not be able to drive themselves to dialysis, cancer treatments and other medical appointments.

“We are kind of a last resort for people,” Toth said. “We serve that pocket that doesn’t qualify for other social service programs, those who don’t own a car or are too ill to drive themselves. We are also the only free service in the area.”

Tablescapes has been the organization’s most important fundraiser for the past nine years, generating roughly one-third of its funding per year. Last year’s event was the most successful yet, with 275 attendees and about $27,000 raised — double the usual amount.

For 2025, the goal is to raise $30,000, Toth said. So far, it’s looking promising, though it’s always hard to tell, she said. Ticket sales started early this year and began selling almost immediately. More decorators have reached out about having a table at the event. And more people are aware of Wheels for Wellness’ mission than ever before.

The funds are increasingly necessary, as the nonprofit’s client base has grown steadily each year following the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, Wheels for Wellness completed almost 4,000 transports.

“Consistently, every year, more and more applications steadily come in, all the time for all of the facilities in town,” Toth said. “We’re even getting them from outside our service area, and unfortunately I have to turn those down because they are outside of our service area.”

This Sunday from 2-5 p.m, ticket holders can support Wheels for Wellness while socializing, enjoying refreshments and viewing themed table settings that incorporate fine china, glassware and color-coordinated napkins.

There also will be demonstrations on floral arranging, catering displays, charcuterie boards and mocktails. Door prizes, a silent auction and a raffle will be part of the afternoon as well.

Tickets start at $25 and are available at wheels4wellness.org or at Kimberly’s at 135 N. Braddock St, Winchester. The event location, Millwood Station Events Center, is at 252 Costello Drive, Winchester.

— Contact Tabitha Reeves at treeves@winchesterstar.com