High Tea For Breast Cancer Prevention keeps busy with events all summer    
By Melissa Lee
2009

    CENTRAL LAKE - It’s time once again for the annual Antrim County High Tea for Breast Cancer Prevention and High Tea reception, which every year raises many thousands of dollars for breast cancer education awareness and prevention. 

This year’s reception, which will be held on Saturday, July 18th from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Pelican Room on Old State Road outside of Central Lake, will include dancing on the patio to the music of George F. McDonald, a silent auction, tastes of fine food provided by the Blue Pelican and three complimentary beverages. A cash bar will also be available.

    Many changes have taken place since the first event in 2004, said founder Dee Lynch, who lost a daughter to breast cancer.

    With the help of Muffin Tin owner Jane VanEtten, the first Alden High Tea for Breast Cancer was held at the Muffin Tin in June of 2004, with the intent of raising funds that would provide mammograms for uninsured individuals in Antrim County, she said.

    Because of the restaurant’s seating capacity, only thirty-eight women were able to attend that first High Tea. “So we held two more that summer.” Lynch laughed.

    The following year, Patty and Gerry Kobe, owners of property adjacent to the Muffin Tin, generously allowed a large white tent to be used on the site to hold the High Tea. By now, the organization was partnering with the Northwestern Michigan Department of Community Health  in providing educational and awareness programs designed to get more women into existing programs as well as providing direct financial support for those who fell outside the state’s guidelines. 

    Earlier this year, the all volunteer organization, which last year raised some $47,000, announced that any uninsured or underinsured resident of Antrim County needing a mammogram could obtain one using High Tea funding at no cost.

    As a result of that windfall, the Health Department estimates that they will handle twice as many residents this fiscal year compared to last year.

    Both of this year’s High Teas, including a new one set for August in Elk Rapids, have unfortunately already sold out, said Lynch. “But we still have tickets for our evening reception, and we’re hoping once again to see a huge crowd.” 

    Tickets for the event are still available at various locations around the county for $35. 

    Other fundraising efforts planned for this year include a motorcycle ride scheduled for September 6 and a 50/50 dinner at the Dockside Bar in Clam River on September 12.