Sleigh Bell Tea Raises Money For Assistance League of Santa Ana Scholarship Program

By Susan Irvine
The annual Sleigh Bell Tea Fundraiser, was a festive affair that successfully raised funds for a scholarship program dedicated to helping under-served students achieve their college aspirations. From the moment the guests arrived, they were treated to a setting filled with holiday cheer, complete with champagne toasts and a beautifully set atmosphere.
The event was meticulously orchestrated by Chairwoman Donna Layne and her team of talented committee members, including gourmet chefs who prepared the tea and food from scratch. The committee, comprised of Donna Layne, Linda Chapel, Melinda Jordan, Karen Mittendorf, Di Willis, Paulette Fuller, Leila Jensen, Priscilla Cloud, Martha Molina, Patti Heimann, Kay Housley, Linda Cimbaluk, Miriam Garcia, Emma Molina, Margarita DeBoer, Monica Mendoza and Susan Irvine, ensured that every detail was perfect.
The culinary offerings included homemade scones, holiday salad, savories, and a trio of desserts, all complemented by holiday spiced teas on tables that were adorned in holiday finery.  The afternoon featured live holiday music by harpist Julio Montero.
Judi Fine, President of the Assistance League of Santa Ana, expressed her deep gratitude for the continued support that enables the League to provide valuable resources to those in need that include Operation School Bell (school uniforms, backpacks, and school supplies), low-cost dental care, college scholarships, food pantries at two Santa Ana Schools, food distributions three times a year, Gift of Giving and senior outreach projects.
The silent auction, an exciting feature of the event, included items like tickets to a Ducks Hockey game, third-row tickets to Broadway shows at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Duffy Boat Rides, and a dinner experience at Chapter One and The Cliffs Restaurants. Underwriters for Scholarships were Karol Goldsmith, Teri Kennady, Kathleen Masenga, Nadine Hall, and Joyce Rohrbaugh.
The Assistance League of Santa Ana boasts a rich history and a distinguished legacy, tracing its origins back to 1935 when Katharine Irvine, wife of James Irvine II, founded the organization alongside 42 pioneering women. It was the third chartered chapter in the United States and has been instrumental in establishing many other chapters across Orange County.
Attending the event were two generations of the Irvine family, descendants of Katharine Irvine, demonstrating their ongoing engagement and support. Among them were Susan and James Irvine, Katharine’s grandson, and Chris and Amy Connelly, with Chris being Katharine’s great-grandson.
This year’s Sleigh Bell Tea Fundraiser not only celebrated the holiday season but also showcased the enduring impact and commitment of the Assistance League of Santa Ana in transforming lives and strengthening the community through their Philanthropic works.