Beneath wide-brimmed hats, pastel scarves, and the soft clinking of teacups on china saucers, guests gathered in Cana Hall at the Maria Center on May 17 for an afternoon filled with elegance, laughter, and heartfelt purpose. The second annual High Tea fundraiser welcomed nearly 100 guests to support residents of the independent living facility and to be part of a tradition that’s quickly becoming a cherished celebration of care, connection, and community spirit.
Hosted in partnership with the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, the event raised critical funds to support services that enhance residents’ day-to-day lives—services like medical transportation, weekly shopping trips, and enrichment outings that bring joy, mobility, and a sense of adventure to aging adults.
Many of the residents no longer drive or have family nearby to help them get around, which makes these services not only helpful, but essential. For manager Tiffany Hardy, ensuring that residents continue to live full, independent lives is a central part of the center’s mission.
“We pay for all the medical transportation, for them to go shopping once a week, and we also do special Turtle Topper trips,” Hardy said. “Like yesterday, they went to a dairy farm and got to see cows. They loved it.”
What began as a small, in-house gathering of residents and sisters has since grown into a formal fundraiser, brimming with love and involvement from across the community. Staff and residents worked side-by-side to bring the afternoon to life. Flowers were picked fresh from around the campus, treats were baked from scratch in the kitchen, and raffle baskets were carefully curated to bring moments of delight throughout the event.
“We cooked all our own food for this and plan to build this out,” Hardy said. “We went on campus and picked all the flowers for the centerpieces. We now plan to build this up every year, and as the word spreads, we hope for a larger turnout each year.”
Beyond the teacups and tulips, the afternoon also offered a glimpse into an exciting future for the Maria Center. Plans are currently in motion to expand the facility from 27 apartments to over 50, adding 24 new units to accommodate more residents and enhance the level of care offered.
“We're hoping that the community will come and see what’s going on,” Hardy said. “Everybody thinks that we're so far away, but we're not. If they get to come to the campus, I think they might like what we have to offer the community.”
That future growth wouldn’t be possible without the support of generous partners. Sponsors for this year’s High Tea included St. Joseph Health, Dr. Holm, Center for Hospice, Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home and Remembrance Center, Step N Stone Outpatient Therapy, Marian University, Oliver Ford, and the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, whose long-standing partnership with the Maria Center continues to embody a shared commitment to spiritual growth, hospitality, and compassionate care for all.
While the financial impact of the fundraiser is vital, the true heart of the event lies in the atmosphere it creates: one of shared stories, laughter, blooming friendships, and a renewed sense of community. The Maria Center hopes to make High Tea an annual hallmark event—one that grows each year just as the center itself continues to blossom.
For more information about Maria Center, upcoming events, or ways to support the expansion, visit mariacenterinc.org.
