“Tea On The Lawn” fundraiser returns April 26 to benefit New Danville

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- About 250 or more genteel ladies will gather on the gorgeous rolling landscape of New Danville for the 5th annual “Tea on The Lawn” on Friday, April 26, 2013, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Once again, guests will don their finest hats and frocks and have the opportunity to see first-hand all that the New Danville master-planned community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and low-income seniors have to offer its residents and day programs participants.

Dainty tea sandwiches and sweets will be served under a tented venue on the sprawling pastoral setting of New Danville, located at 10951 Shepard Hill in Willis, TX. All proceeds from this unique event benefit New Danville’s adult education and training programs.

This year’s luncheon will feature special guest speaker Joanne King Herring, the subject of the movie “Charlie Wilson’s War” played by actor Julia Roberts. The international socialite, global political activist and former Texas television anchor is known for her improbable fight with Mujahedeen against the former Soviet Union. She is the author of “Diplomacy and Diamonds: My Wars from the Ballroom to the Battlefield.” The New York Times called her “The most popular Texan – a power in her own right.” And Former Secretary of State, James Baker, said, “…she walks where others fear to tread, and never quits.”

Kathy Sanders, president and founder of New Danville, notes, “We are thrilled that Joanne King Herring made time in her very busy schedule to be our guest speaker. Each year our Tea gets bigger and better, and Ms. Herring will undoubtedly make this year's event one to remember for many years to come. In addition, our guest performer is Sarah Kelly, a two-time Grammy nominee. Our guests will have a wonderful time while supporting our cause and learning more about New Danville. We are excited about this year’s event and appreciate the generosity of our sponsors, volunteers, and participants who helping to make this year’s Tea another fun and festive event.”

Individual tickets have been sold out, but some sponsorship levels are still available. Visit 'www.TeaOnTheLawn.org' for details about remaining sponsorship opportunities.

Sponsors include Richie’s Specialty Pharmacy, The Hauber Foundation: Beth Stewart Trustee, Specs Wine and Spirits, Northside Fiat, Project Chemicals, Universal Lifestyle Products, Shutterfly, Crescent Moon Wine Bar, Robichau’s Jewelry, Corporate Incentives, Inc., Hemline, Rivela Plastic Surgery, The Brain & Spine Institute of North Houston, and Dermanature, to name a few.

Chairing the event is Natalie Noack along with co-chair Aisha Dubose, who are complemented by a fabulous committee which includes Kristen Baadsgaard, Gay Brown, Renata Creed, Odette D’Agostino, Nanci Day, Martha Haag, Barbara Hilton, Maryellyn Miller, Stephanie Milstead, Nan McShan, Sandra Novack, Joey Pope, Beth Stewart, Lisa Toburen, and Melissa Young.

“Natalie Noack is a true blessing to New Danville and she is doing an amazing job leading this year’s Tea on the Lawn,” said Stephanie Milstead, event fundraising chair and board chair for New Danville.

New Danville is a master-planned community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as others who want to develop the skills to become as independent as possible but may need some assistance such as with transportation, money management and other skills training. Located at 10951 Shepard Hill in Willis, TX, New Danville is the only community concept of its kind that offers an affordable, holistic approach to services by offering adult educational, skills training and vocational services, low-income housing, and job opportunities. It is a special place where they can live, learn, work and grow emotionally, socially and spiritually in a safe, caring environment.

For sponsorship information about the 5th Annual “Tea on The Lawn,” contact Stephanie Milstead at slmilstead@sbcglobal.net or (713) 303-5104, or visit the event web site at www.TeaOnTheLawn.org. For more information about New Danville, visit www.NewDanville.org or call (936) 344-6200 or email info@newdanville.org.