The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

IT was an afternoon of glamorous designs, fabulous hats and elegant gloves as Bahamian ladies helped to raise money to repair the hearts of children.

Sunday’s Victorian High Tea Party and Fashion Show at Government House – the eighth annual fundraiser of this type – was declared the best yet by its organisers, the Heart Ball Committee.

The event, held under the patronage of Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling, featured designs by numerous local fashion houses which were displayed on a runway which was set up on the balcony at Government House.

Highlights of the afternoon included a fashion show, a hat parade, a special trivia competition and an in-house raffle.

The vendors included Banesian Designs, Armani Jewellery, Sheekie’s Handmade Products, Exquisite Scents, HMPBbags, Rik Carey, Beth’s Kitchen and Twinings provided the tea for the occasion.

Designs featured in the fashion show were by the Seventeen Shop, BCBG Cable Beach and Brynda Knowles. 

Ingrid Sears, public relations officer for the Heart Ball Committee, told Tribune Woman the afternoon was a special one, and all those who attended had fun while supporting a good cause. 

“It was very entertaining. Having the show segment added value and provided something for everyone. Guests seemed to enjoy this event tremendously and expressed an interest in future events. It was great,” she said.

“We want the public to please remember us as the holidays approach. You can make a donation that can help to repair a child’s heart. No amount is ever too small and every penny counts. Also, our Annual Heart Ball is scheduled for February 14, 2015, Valentine’s Day. Please save the date and plan to attend. You can share this memorable moment with that special someone while helping to repair a child’s heart. Please invest in our future and help to repair a child’s heart.”

Other members of the Heart Ball committee were also happy that they pulled off yet another successful event.

Keniqua Whitehouse said: “Overall the event was good. The crowd appeared happy.”

Coretta Owen, the committee’s co-chair said this year’s event was “one of the best tea parties hosted. “The logistics flowed,” she said.

Ms Sears said in a previous interview that it is always important to not lose sight of the goal of the annual Tea Party and Fashion Show.

“Despite all the glitz and glam, we want people to remember, it is about the children. We would like to encourage corporate Bahamas and the general public to please lend us your support. Your support can mean the difference between life and death for a child,” she said.

Sponsors for the event included Twinings, Milo Butler, Western Air, Cable Bahamas, RBC, Going Places Travel, ZNS, Barefoot Marketing, Love 97, Island FM, More 94FM, G & M Appliances, RIK, Beth’s Kitchen, Banesian Designs, Amani Jewellery, HMP Handbags, Brynda Knowles, BCBG Cable Beach, The Seventeen Shop, and Natural Products by Sheekie.

The Heart Ball Committee is the fundraising arm of the Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation. The Heart Foundation’s mission is to help repair the hearts of children throughout the islands of the Bahamas. 

The Heart Ball Committee hosts two major fundraisers yearly: the Tea Party and Fashion Show and the Heart Ball. More than 97 per cent of all funds raised go towards repairing the hearts of children. To date, over 4,000 have been helped by the Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation.

• See The Big T this Saturday for full photo coverage of the Victorian High Tea Party’s parade of hats.