Published: October 13, 2008 10:25 am      

FUMC Tabletop Treasures slated for this week

Members of Gainesville’s First United Methodist Church plan to host the 18th Annual Tabletop Treasures event.

Tabletop Treasures will begin with a preview party from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday. Dessert and coffee or tea will be served at the party. Tickets are $6.

A luncheon is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, and tickets are $12. Both events are slated to held at the church at 214 South Denton Street.

Tabletop Treasures is a display of creative tabletop designs. Proceeds from the preview party support local nonprofit organizations such as CASA, VISTO, Rainbow Rooms for children and Child Protective Services.

Gayle Doyle said the displays include, “some of the finest, wittiest and most humorous table settings” in the city.

Betty Henderson brought the idea to the church from her former church in Littletown, Colo. She and Jan Russell co-chaired the first event which had a Christmas theme.

The tables include displays of fine china and silver, pottery, casual dinnerware or fun table appointments, said Kay Wallace.

Attendance continues to grow.

The event now includes raffles of artwork, crafts and decorations.

“It has become a community tradition that continues to raise money to help missions around the world as well as local mission needs of the community,” said Margene Parr, UMW president for 2001-2002.

“Make your plans now to gather as a group and enjoy this event as your October meeting,” Doyle noted in a press release.

Tickets can be reserved in advance by calling the church office at (940) 665-3926.