The La Jolla-based philanthropy group celebrated 40 years of supporting vulnerable children.
As it has annually for 40 years, St. Germaine Children’s Charity hosted its Silver Tea Dec 10, a holiday tradition that gathers supporters, recipients of grant monies and others for a celebration of philanthropy and more.
St. Germaine was founded by Barbara Christensen to support San Diego based agencies dedicated to the care and protection of children suffering from abuse, neglect and, more recently, internet crimes against children such as trafficking.
The “ruby anniversary” of the Silver Tea brought more than 300 people to the Ellsworth home in the Muirlands – also featured on the La Jolla Historical Society’s Secret Garden Tour this year – where carolers greeted guests, high school volunteers passed trays of tea sandwiches and treats and event sponsors and supporters sipped tea and perused dozens of silent auction items.
The event is a major fundraiser for St. Germaine, said President Janice Farnow, noting the organization is “very close” to its goal of raising $150,000 for the year.
In its 40 years, St. Germaine has given more than $5 million to 50-plus organizations locally, including Center for Community Solutions, Monarch School Project, Polinsky Children’s Center and Voices for Children.
All of this is done by the all-volunteer membership of St. Germaine, which has no physical space nor employees.
“It’s very touching how the community comes together,” Farnow said.
Part of the giving tradition at the Silver Tea is the Silver Bowl, placed at the entrance of the home during the first tea in 1984. Guests were asked to place donations in the bowl and since then, the bowl has been placed at every event to collect money and symbolize the charitable spirit of the organization’s members.
The silent auction, signature “Clausmopolitan” cocktail and wine pull also helped to raise money during the Silver Tea, co-chaired by Sherry Macelli and Michelle Brown.
“It’s inspiring how much the community rallies for us,” Farnow said.
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