|
From:TheBahamasWeekly.com Community
Nassau, Bahamas - “This was simply delightful!” gushed one attendee as she departed the Exquisite Treasures Afternoon Tea at Balmoral Club hosted by Jacquelyn Sawyer. The event matched, and even exceeded, its billing. This was the unified opinion of Women of Distinction who attended; for this group of discerning women (and men) graded the “Overall Experience” of Exquisite Treasures Afternoon Tea on their surveys as a 5 on a scale from 1 to 5. Jacquelyn Sawyer, budding Bahamian Designer and a past president of Carver Garden Club, was seeking a suitable way to launch her wide selection of Bahamian sea shell craft designs. So, she decided to stage an Exquisite Treasures Afternoon Tea at Balmoral Club. She reached out to her friends and invited selected Women of Distinction to head each table. This further mushroomed into a scenario where some of these women decorated their own tables, and then invited a few friends to join them for Tea. Each Woman of Distinction was announced upon arrival with her guests, and recognized during the Tea. The goal was not merely to have Tea, but to showcase her designs in an environment where they would make an impact, while providing a setting for people to relax and enjoy themselves. In this, Jacquelyn was very successful. The Balmoral Club on Sanford Drive, Nassau, proved to be an exquisite venue. Ladies arrived amid a bevy of Jacquelyn’s sea-shell- encased frames decorating the walls. Each table was individually – and exquisitely - decorated. Sherilee “Miss P” Pinder and Timiko “Sawyer Boy TV” Sawyer proved to be very entertaining co-hosts as they regaled the crowd from beginning to end with their quirky comedic stories. Music was provided by Francis Richardson. Part proceeds from Exquisite Treasures Afternoon Tea benefit the Lupus 242 organization. Exquisite Treasures Afternoon Tea also attracted an array of sponsors who wanted to have their names attached to an exciting event while benefitting a worthy charity. Sponsors were the Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board; Atlantis Crown Gymnastics Tournament; Insurance Management; Balmoral Club; Palmdale Optical; Sky Bahamas; and Bluff House Club, Green Turtle Cay, Abaco. Attendees found themselves learning much more about Lupus and its effects during a short talk by Dr. Gabriella Hunt-Burrows, Specialist at Bahamas Health & Healing Medical Centre. Lucky winners were chosen for a selection of gifts. There were two one-of- a-kind terracotta flower pots decorated with sea shells by Jacquelyn and filled with a “Pot Pouri” of teas and treats. There were two roundtrip tickets on Sky Bahamas’ domestic route network which were won by Marsha Smith. And the Grand Prize of a 4 day/3 night stay at the Bluff House Club, Green Turtle Cay, Abaco was won by Nichelle Coley. In a special gesture, Jacquelyn Sawyer arranged to sponsor attendance at Exquisite TreasuresAfternoon Tea by students from C.V. Bethel Senior High along with their teacher, Ms. Rose Cunningham. They were joined by students from Doris Johnson High School and Nassau Christian Academy. “This was an opportunity to expose young men and women, who would not have ordinarily been able to attend, to experience how tea is served,” said Jacquelyn. “Having them participate was, for me, was one of the most of important parts of the whole event.” Mrs. Sawyer was supported by her husband, Tyrone, who recited a few poems from his new book, “Poems & Prayers”. This was followed by a Fashion Show which featured Jacquelyn’s “Exquisite Treasures” designs of broaches and fascinators. Models moved throughout the venue showing off several of Jacquelyn’s Exquisite Treasures designs. These included a lime green ribbon fascinator decorated with cockle shells from Exuma. These included a fascinator designed of blue and yellow “Independence” colours; and made out of conch horns. Attendees were able to see several unique wedding dresses and hand pieces. An unheralded part of the event was the display of hats and dresses and gloves by the attendees. Women in their finery lit up the room with good conversation and good cheer. Several new friendships were formed. And several “What’s Up” groups were started. Not in her wildest imagination did Jacquelyn Sawyer expect the see the excited outcome by attendees at Exqusite Treasures Afternoon. “My goal was to provide a platform to introduce my sea shell designs,” said Jacquelyn. “The fact that Exquisite Treasures Afternoon Tea brought so many people together makes me very happy.” Another attendee exclaimed as she was leaving Exquisite Treasures Afternoon Tea at Balmoral Club, “You must do this again next year!”
|
