MINT HILL, NC – Mark your calendars for the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce Spring Tea and Brunch!

The second annual Spring Tea and Brunch sponsored by Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 30, at Arlington Baptist Church Family Life Center.  With a showcase of decorated tables, silent auction and raffle opportunities and a guest speaker, it’s the perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day or welcome Spring with girlfriends.

The highlight of the event promises to be award-winning broadcaster and best selling author Sheri Lynch.  A Philadelphia native who was raised in northwestern Wyoming, Sheri is a bookworm, a pop culture fanatic, and an enthusiastic fan of aliens, Bigfoot, zombies, abandoned places, and goofy Americana. When she’s not tormenting Bob Lacey, you can usually find her dragging her husband to visit The World’s Largest Spatula or something equally riveting.

For Executive Director Paige McKinney, Lynch’s humor makes her a perfect choice for this year’s guest speaker.  “We’re very excited,” says McKinney.  “She’s funny. We all need laughter after the challenging couple of years that we’ve had, so we’re very excited to have her.  We all need some fun and humor as we gather together again.”

The ladies of Mint Hill are invited to gather a group of friends and secure a table for eight, and decorating the table is part of the fun!  Past themes have included “Kentucky Derby,” “Memories” and “Chick-fil-A.”  If creating an elaborate, themed tablescape isn’t your “cup of tea,” no worries: your table can be as simple or complex as you wish, and tables are not judged.

Many local businesses, nonprofits and other groups participate, but you don’ thave to be part of an official group to reserve a table.   “We want to encourage the women of Mint Hill to just gather a group of friends and come and celebrate the day,” assures McKinney. 

Another fun element of the Spring Tea and Brunch is the raffle.  Raffle tickets are available 10 for $20 or 20 for $30.  Anyone can purchase raffle tickets; you do not need to attend the Spring Tea and Brunch to win.  Follow the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce on Facebook @minthill.chamber to see what’s up for grabs, and contact the Chamber if you are interested in donating an item or basket for the raffle.  Raffle items will be accepted through April 18.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a “Tea and Brunch” without delicious food and beverages!  Cold tea and salad will be provided by Chick-Fil-A Mint Hill; hot tea will be courtesy of Vitality Ginger.  Vintner’s Hill Wine Bar & Bistro will provide appetizers, and Texas Roadhouse will serve the main course, composed of an entree, vegetable and bread.  Desserts will come from Daphne’s Bakery.

Funds raised through the Spring Tea and Brunch go to support the Chamber’s internship program, the Junior Ambassadors program, and diversity initiatives.  “The Chamber has been working hard for its members during the pandemic to make sure we provide value to our members and the community at large,” says Spring Tea & Brunch Committee Chair Jennifer Manchester.  “As a result, we began an accreditation process that identified gaps and opportunities in our organization.  This year our objective is to raise money to fund and expand several Chamber directives that include diversity and inclusion programs, the Jr. Ambassador program and training.”

“Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center is honored to be the presenting sponsor this year,” said Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center President Joy Greear.  “We are thrilled to be able to gather together with amazing women from across the Mint Hill community and beyond.  It’s a chance to be creative, enjoy the day, laugh, and reconnect with ladies we haven’t seen, in some cases, since the pandemic began.  We are grateful for the incredible work of the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce and the opportunity for the proceeds of this event to stay local.”

Tables are available now through April 22 – or until they sell out!  The cost for a table for 8 is $320, and there are some tables set aside for individual tickets as well.  “There are only 28 tables, and they will go quickly!” says McKinney.  “Come dressed in spring attire.  We encourage everyone to wear fun hats!”