The Tribune

Each year, thousands of healthy babies are born in The Bahamas. Sadly, it is not always the case. Some are born with congenital heart disease where their hearts didn’t develop properly in the womb. Valves may be missing, holes cause blood to flow in the wrong direction, chambers may be undeveloped. These little hearts can’t keep up with the demands of their important jobs and corrective, costly surgeries are needed to save these young lives.

Since 1961, the Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation, the country’s oldest non-profit organisation, has been helping fund life-saving heart surgeries for Bahamian children and for the second year, Twinings Tea, distributed by Milo Butler Distributors, is a major sponsor of the foundation’s “Tea Fit for Royalty” Tea Party and Fashion Show fundraiser this Sunday.

“We are pleased to team up with the Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation for the second year as a title sponsor of the upcoming tea party and fashion show. The foundation’s commitment to enriching the lives of young Bahamians is in line with our company’s overall philosophy,” said Margo Gibson, Twinings brand manager at Milo Butler.

“During the event we will be showcasing our Twinings tea line including our black, green and fruit infused teas. Twinings has produced the finest tea for over 300 years and Milo Butler has carried the brand as an exclusive distributor here in The Bahamas for more than a decade.”

The historic grounds of Government House will be transformed with dramatically draped tents, tables set for Bahamian high tea and a flashy, red catwalk.

“We’re really excited about the event. It’s a fun and elegant way to raise funds for paediatric heart surgeries,” said Coretta Owen, co-chair of the Heart Ball Committee, the Foundation’s fund-raising arm. “We’re going to have great food, entertainment by the Urban Renewal Band and a fabulous assortment of Twinings and Bahamian teas. There will be a hat competition, tables will be judged and the fashion show will be brought to us by Catwalk Fashions and hats from Sophia Salon. Lots will be going on and we’re looking forward to a great afternoon.”

Bahamian artistry will also be on display with artwork and ceramics by Trevor Tucker, handcrafted bags from Inmate Enterprises and jewellery by Amani Nefertari Designs. Sale proceeds will be in aid of the Heart Foundation. There will also be a general raffle and a Grand raffle.

“The grand raffle prize is really special,” said Ms Gibson. “Twinings is raffling a ‘Tea Party for Ten’. It’s something different and will be a special treat for someone’s birthday party or for a girls’ day out. We’ll provide the décor, the teas, food and servers. The tickets will be on sale at the Tea Party so we want everyone to be looking forward and participating in that.”

Tickets for the Tea Party and Fashion Show are $35. For more information call the Bahamas Heart Foundation office at 327-0806 or visit them on Facebook.