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Cara Wilson, California
"On May 16, 2010 I hosted "Tea for NF" at my home.  I invited pretty much everyone I know, hoping that a handful would be able to come so I could possibly raise a few hundred dollars for CTF.  In reality, 40 people came and many others who were not able to attend donated either online or mailed me checks.   We served iced tea, which was donated by our local Starbucks and enjoyed an English tea with finger sandwiches, scones and delicious snacks.  I was able to share a little about NF and how it has affected my  2 year old daughter, Abby, who has NF1 and why funding for NF research is so important.   I am still in awe of the generosity of my friends and family...I raised $2800 to help find a cure for NF! It was a wonderful day and the beginning of a new annual event for me."  

Sylvia Colon, Florida
"We had our Tea event on a Sunday and it was a huge success. We raised close to $3,500! Nearly 50 people attended the actual Tea event but we had been fundraising since April. We live in Florida and set out tables with umbrellas out by the pool in backyard, but it was so hot only one person actually drank “hot” tea. We had plenty of iced tea and lemonade for everyone. Just about everything was donated for the event and we were cooking and working to get ready  for four days. It was a pleasure and so much fun to do this. I hope to do this every year."

Andrea Cook, Kansas
"We actually did both types of parties in conjunction with Riley’s birthday. We sent out about 200 invitations to friends and family. We had about 30 people come to our house for an open house type event. And the funny thing is nobody wanted tea but we had a good time! The virtual tea was more important because we have family and friends all over the country. We wanted to make sure everyone was aware of NF and how it can affect people and how it was affecting Riley. Most importantly, we want to find a cure for it! In each invitation, we included a picture of Riley and a one page flyer on NF and Riley. We got a great response and are very happy that we were able to help get donations. We will have a Tea NF every year for Riley’s birthday until a cure is found!"

Start planning your Tea for NF Now!

A Virtual Tea for NF is not actually a event, but a mailing to your family, friends, and colleagues.You invite them to support the Children’s Tumor Foundation in honor of a loved one and have a cup of tea compliments of the Foundation.

• It is a good idea to add a personal note with each invitation, explaining your reason for being involved in the Tea for NF and why funding for NF research is so important. If your event is in honor of a special  someone, consider including his or her photo with your Tea for NF invitation.
• Consider hosting a tea event with a friend or a group to increase your network of funding sources. Always follow-up with a phone call to make sure the invitation was received and to answer any questions.
• Online fundraising enables you to raise funds online more easily and faster with a personalized web page. You can create your own event page, upload pictures and event details, and explain the reason for hosting your Tea for NF. You will see donations as they come in and be able to manage your fundraising progress.

An "actual" Tea for NF is an event where you ask guests to attend in support of the Children’s Tumor Foundation.

• The most important ingredients for a Tea for NF are great tasting tea, refreshments, and relaxed guests.
• Venue:  An actual tea can take many forms. Some people choose to host an afternoon tea in their home with friends, family and close acquaintances. Others prefer a large function at a hotel or restaurant with an extended invitation list. Still others prefer a day at a local tea house or restaurant when the establishment donates a certain part of their profits and allows for the Children's Tumor Foundation materials to be available to their customers. 
• Logistics: Your guest list may include family, friends, and anyone you know who you feel you can ask to donate to the NF cause. Send invitations at least three weeks in advance, and include a request for a donation along with your handwritten note inviting your guests to your Tea for NF. You may choose to use printed postcards invitations or you may wish to have original ones created.
• Management: Plan your menu, event necessities, and any activities. Create a system to manage your budget, donations and ticket sales.