Committee Members, left to right,
Karen Shipp, chairman of FIA; Traci Toth, Executive Director of FIA; Tricia Simson and Diane Ruckman, FIA Board of Directors
Jackie Puglisi
Apr 4, 2016
WINCHESTER — Vintage dishes, antique tablecloths and unique candlestick holders will be just some of the items on display at Faith in Action’s second Tablescapes event.
The fundraiser will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday at the Ferrari Room, located at Shenandoah University in the Brandt Student Center at 703 University Drive. Parking will be available in the garage adjoining the venue.
This year’s event will incorporate 15 decorated tables and three additional children’s tables. "We just want folks to support Faith in Action and in return enjoy a fun afternoon," said Karen Shipp, Faith in Action board chairwoman.
The event will include a raffle; door prizes; demonstrations in floral arranging, table decorating and napkin-folding; and refreshments of coffee, tea and desserts. There will also be a display of antique linens and crystal pieces accented with silver. The tables on display will offer ideas on how participants can decorate their own tables for parties and events at home. Shipp said it’s also a chance to get to see local talent.
Participants will vote on their favorite table for the people’s choice award. Votes will cost $1 each and will go toward supporting Faith in Action.
Shipp said the winner will receive a special award that she is keeping a surprise until the day of the event.
Raffle items will include restaurant gift certificates, brass candlesticks, gift baskets and jewelry. Shipp said the community-wide event was created to give individuals and decorators who have beautiful dishes and table accessories a place to have them displayed.
Held at the George Washington Hotel, last year’s inaugural event had 13 decorated tables and raised $4,000 for Faith in Action.
"It was interesting to see various themes and creations," Shipp said. "It turned out just lovely."
"We got such positive feedback last year that folks were saying we need to do it again this year," she added. "I think everyone will find it to be entertaining."
Faith in Action is a non-profit organization where volunteer drivers provide free medical transportation for people to get to medical appointments and treatments, such as dialysis and chemotherapy.
"Last year, our drivers took care of 2,000 trips for clients, using their own vehicles and gas," Shipp said.
The organization also recently hired a new executive director, Rev. Charles Franks. Shipp said Franks is promoting the event.
Officials are looking for more sponsors to offset the cost of the event. To be a sponsor, contact Shipp at 540-667-7677 or email shipp.karen@gmail.com.
Tickets are $25 per person and may be purchased by visiting Kimberly’s at 135 N. Braddock St., Sweet Tea at 15 E. Boscawen St. and Our Health at 329 N. Cameron St., or by calling 540-974-5971 or 540-667-7677.
Contact Jackie Puglisi at jpuglisi@winchesterstar.com