What is Tea To Tequila?

I chose this name to reflect the name of the annual party co-hosted by Maureen Horn and the great women who opened their homes for an afternoon of fun and frivolity . Refreshments are served and the participants bring "8" pieces of something special that they would like to share with new friends. I always say "8" and no one listens to me!!!! There is always enough tidbits for everyone. The time is late afternoon to enjoy the sunset wherever we are.

The origination of this party started 12 years ago when I introduced Bennie Dods, Carolyn Corbino, Betty Horan and Deb Imparato to each other over lunch at Michaels on East. After many hours of conversation, friendships were formed. This coincided with the beginning of Maureen's Palm Grille on Longboat Key. (new site of the Lazy Lobster.)

The second year, with Betty's suggestion, Margaritas were served at Bennie's home after excercise class. The third year at Deb Imparato's home we added tea and she provided a beautiful tea service (under utilized but, gorgeous) At Vivie Porterfield's home (she had moved to California but, came back to Lakewood Ranch). We added champagne but still kept the name TEA TO TEQUILA.

Teena Kantor hosted the fifth year with the addition of wine and also hosted our 'couples' event. More about that later..The sixth year at Terry Buzan's home, The term TEA TO TEQUILA. meant a reason for fabulous woman to meet other interesting great woman in the area. We enjoyed a wonderful day with Kathy Kocian in Season 6. Sadly, we lost Kathy to Cancer the next year. Lillian Sands has graciously hosted twice and has offered again this November to start the season.

We had a wonderful time and operated the restaurant for 9 years before Steve and I sold Maureen's in 2005 and retired from the Restaurant Industry after 29 years. We were in Philadelphia in my 20's, Cape May in my 30's and 40's and Longboat Key at 50. I had already started in real estate and found my new passion and career which I am grateful.

A few years ago, Mary Lou Johnson and I had dinner together and I talked about a game I had just been to called Bunco. Mary Lou ordered the game and the next thing we knew, we were doing games every month and then adding more and then adding events. Thank you Mary Lou for your wonderful organization. Terry Buzan offered to teach cooking, MaryLou offered to teach Scrabble. Carolyn Corbino, Mah Jong. Teena Kantor and Ruthie Maas started book club. Teena left for England Ruthie organized it beautifully and She started Chick Flicks. Gabi, Heidi, Donna, Barbara, Chris all Bunco hostesses. Sally Schule offered to co-host at Saks Fifth Avenue. We learn something every year and are treated to wonderful goodies. We expanded with Maureen Drackett inviting us to start the season at her Mainland home. Many friends include Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch and all the way to Boca Grande. Friends and Acquaintances should never be lost.
Nor should TEA TO TEQUILA!

There are so many wonderful women who pass through our lives and we are building Friendships.
Everyone is so giving of themselves and share their causes. Mary Lou, Save our Seabirds, Terry Buzan and Laura Vukovich, Horse stables that help returning war veterans. I salute the wonderful hostesses who open their homes to all our activities. Please look over The message board with recommendations. Just go to the tab on the left of the site and add in anything you would like to offer as a recommendation. Have a great manicurist? good handyman? let us know. Something that you want us to know about that is special in your heart. New woman are moving here all the time. Some want to be introduced and some don't. I will of course, protect everyone's privacy.

Enjoy the site, pass it on and hope to see you soon!
Maureen

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Tea To Tequila : Longboat Key, Florida

What is Tea To Tequila?