Tea time at Dunstan Middle - #lakewoodnews

Many schools hosts bake sales, book fairs or clothing drives to raise money.

At Dunstan Middle School, they serve tea.

For the second year in a row, the Dunstan Foundation hosted a tea event on April 7 to raise money for the $1,650 in scholarships they give to students.

"The idea was to find a unique event to raise money for the foundation," said Liberty Zuelke, parent of a Dunstan student. "We wanted an event where kids would put down their cell phones and enjoy a bygone area."

Several dozen family members, business leaders and elected officials gathered at the school the afternoon of the 7th for tea, sandwiches and dainties all the while catching up with friends. Former Jeffco school board member (and Dunstan student parent) Lesley Dahlkemper, county commissioners Libby Szabo and Casey Tighe, District 23 representative Max Tyler, Lakewood mayor Adam Paul and Ward 4 councilman Dave Wiechman all attended.

The tea raises money by having participants (whether its individuals or businesses) "buy" a table, which they decorate with any theme they want. At this year's event, one table honored a veteran, another was covered in flowers. Then attendees vote on a number of categories, including most elegant and most creative.

"We thought it was important to celebrate a love of history, family and friends," said Louisa Matthews, vice president of the Dunstan PTA and the originator of the tea idea. "We had people here an hour early to decorate their tables this year."

There was also a silent auction, performances by the school band and even a preview of students' production of "Into the Woods Jr."

The idea for this kind of event came from a similar fundraiser she Matthews had seen in New York and Maryland.

The scholarships go to three Green Mountain High School graduates and three Dunstan students. The Green Mountain students receive $500 and Dunstan $50. To apply, students must go through an application process and secure letters of recommendation.

The Dunstan PTA is already looking ahead to make the tea bigger and better next year, and want more community members and local businesses in on it.

"This event is a great way for everyone to be part of our community," Matthews said. "This event is picking up momentum, and we want people to get more creative."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Tea-time-at-Dunstan-Middle,211612