On Sunday, April 27, 2008 the Mercy High gymnasium was transformed into a tea parlor for over 200 women at the 4th Annual Tea for Tuition. 25 tables were adorned with everything from fine china and glass stemware to asian bamboo centerpieces and fresh yellow tulips. The Mercyaires greeted Alumnae and guests with song and dance as they arrived for the tea-riffic afternoon. Gorgeous gift baskets, donated by alumnae and friends of Mercy, were up for bid in the silent auction as well as awarded in prize drawings.

The program began with a blessing by Carrie Fling Monnette '96 and President Sr. Regina Marie Doelker, RSM presented the 2008 Distinguished Alumna Award to Mary Pat McDougall '56. Mary Pat was nominated by her classmates for her invaluable service to her community and parish and is a women who exemplifies the Mercy values.

A Mercy student scholarship recipient spoke about her Mercy experience and how tuition assistance touched her life and helped make her Mercy education possible. A recent graduate, Vanessa Hoang '07, emphasized how much Mercy High School prepared her for college. Alumnae Board President Rebecca Burnett Mathis '92 thanked all of the Tea for Tuition volunteers and asked for support for the Tuition Assistance Program. The Alumnae Board is striving to create an endowed scholarship for Tuition Assistance to ensure that funds are available for deserving Mercy students.

Thanks to the generosity of alumnae and friends the goal of raising $10,000 for Tuition Assistance was met AND exceeded! Over $11,000 was raised to support the Alumnae Association Tuition Assistance Fund.

SPECIAL THANKS to all of our guests, donors, and AbsenTEA supporters. Download the event program (PDF) and listing of generous supporters.