About two dozen women spent a cozy afternoon at The Victorian Lady of Academy Hill, guests of Westmoreland Walks at the annual SereniTea.
Held Nov. 19 at the historic mansion in Greensburg, the event was one of three sold-out seatings of the tea, which raises funds for the organization’s scholarship fund.
Formed in 2002 by a group of Westmoreland County women whose lives had been affected by breast cancer, the grassroots organization raises awareness of the disease and funds for breast cancer research and provides support to breast cancer patients, both women and men.
The SereniTea benefits the Pink Ribbon Scholarship program for county high school seniors whose lives also have been affected in some way by breast cancer.
Before tea was served, Vice President Cricket Rizzo gave a quick rundown of the all-volunteer group’s accomplishments: more than $1 million raised, $790,000 in donations to the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition, $71,000 in scholarships and 320 women hosted at the annual Spa Day, which treats breast cancer patients to a day of education, spa treatments, art and tai chi therapy, lunch and the opportunity to meet others going through the same challenges.
The menu featured three black teas, Darjeeling, pumpkin pie and hot cinnamon spice. The first course was pumpkin soup with cinnamon croutons, followed by the traditional three-tiered trays of finger sandwiches and other savories and sweets.
Urging guests to try their luck at a basket raffle, Rizzo said, “Help us help others.”
Board member Deb Trevellini assisted Rizzo in organizing the event, while board members Kim Yagla and Suzy Luikart greeted guests.
Seen: Chris Turco, Renay Krouse, Roberta Nicholson, Mary Donnelly, Rosemary Mallik, Phyllis Mash, Laurie Hough, Sarah Kuchma, Sally Nuckles, Barbara Baldwin, Lorie Planinsek, Barb Planinsek, Kerrie Pelliccione and her 8-year-old granddaughter, Lily Taylor.
