Monroeville Public Library celebrates annual tea fundraiser

Here’s hoping Roald Dahl would have been proud, as Monroeville Public Library held its fourth annual tea fundraiser on June 1 at the Lourdes Center on Divine Mercy Academy’s campus.

This year’s theme was “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” and participants came decked out in their favorite Willy Wonka gear. To add to the fun, each host decorated their assigned table with décor according to their table’s theme – Golden Ticket, Wonka Bar, Glass Elevator, Oompa Loompa, Grandpa Joe, Veruca Salt and Chocolate Waterfall being just some of the exciting choices.

“The library’s tea fundraiser has become a much-anticipated community event, which tends to sell out quickly,” head of public relations Alice Rathjen said. “Many of the event’s attendees were not only returning guests, but also friends of previous guests who had the event recommended to them.”

As in years past, the festivities featured a luncheon with a large assortment of teas, cookies and candy, a trivia game, “decorate your own candy jar” craft, raffle baskets and 50/50 drawing and a backdrop for photo opportunities. Music was provided by artist Gemma Stemley.

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” was published in 1964 by British writer Roald Dahl. In 1971, the book was adapted into the film “Willy Wonka the Chocolate Factory,” featuring Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka and Peter Ostrum as Charlie Bucket. Despite Dahl disowning the film due to artistic differences and being considered a financial bust, the movie became a cult classic.

In 2005, another picture version, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” was released. That movie was directed by Tim Burton and starred Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka and Freddie Highmore as Charlie Bucket. A third version, named “Wonka,” was released in 2023 and starred Timothée Chalamet.

Library board member Kelly Meredith thanked Disaster Restoration Services in Trafford and ST Bank at the Haymaker Village Plaza for their continued support; the businesses are year-round gold and bronze sponsors, respectively.

According to Meredith, for every one dollar received, the library gives out approximately five dollars in goods and services.

All proceeds from the tea go to the Monroeville Public Library. The amount raised was not available as of presstime on June 12.

“The event also serves the library’s mission – enriching the lives of community members by providing an opportunity for connection,” Rathjen said.

Fairy Tales Fables and Storybook Gardens were the two theme choices for next year’s tea. All participants were able to cast their vote and, although the race was extremely close, Fairy Tales Fables was chosen by a small margin.