A Valentine’s Day Tea to remember at the Ritz

Picture this: The Atrium of the Ritz-Carlton filled with philanthropic women draped in pink and red, vases of roses on every table, champagne flutes clinking in celebration and elegant three-tiered, flower-bedecked dessert stands overflowing with indulgences. This was the scene at the 4th Annual Service Club of Chicago Valentine’s Day Tea, a heartwarming afternoon dedicated to love, friendship and giving back.

With a spectacular turnout, event co-chairs Donna Flynn, Maria Vathis, and Manshi Shah set the tone for an unforgettable gathering. Service Club President Bobbi Panter took the stage, welcoming the enthusiastic crowd and thanking supporters for their unwavering generosity in helping the organization fulfill its mission.

Guests indulged in a decadent spread of delicate finger sandwiches that included: quiche egg sandwiches with caviar; smoked salmon with asparagus; grain mustard spread and whole wheat pullman bread (so named because railway service pioneer George Pullman chose this loaf for use on his Pullman railcars); cucumber sandwiches with caviar; Boursin spread on pumpernickel and beet and goat cheese quiche. Desserts featured freshly baked scones; chocolate chip cookies; house-made lemon curd and raspberry clotted creams; strawberry lemon layer cakes; peach melba tartlets; prickly pear parfaits; dark chocolate cannolis and hazelnut milk chocolate financiers (French cakes).

The event’s Queen of Hearts Sponsors were Alex Meneses, Kathy Mondelli, Bobbi Panter and Munira Patel, with Cheryl Coleman serving as the Sweetheart Sponsor.

The Service Club of Chicago, an all-volunteer women's organization founded in 1890, is committed to assisting, improving and expanding nonprofit programs throughout Chicagoland. Through its grant program, the club supports initiatives in social service, culture, education and civic engagement, making a tangible impact on children, seniors and individuals in need.

The Service Club’s next major event, the Spring Hat Luncheon, titled “Styles in Bloom,” will take place on Monday, May 13, at The Ritz-Carlton. Co-chaired by Paula Borg, Kathleen Haines-Finley, and Sherry Lea Holson, the event will feature a fashionable afternoon of philanthropy, celebration and HATS! (Details here)

Looking ahead to summer, the highly anticipated Day on the Terrace Fashion Show & Luncheon returns on Monday, August 4. Co-chaired by Jean Antoniou, Sharyl Mackey and Tracey Tarantino DiBuono, this signature event will showcase stunning designs while raising funds to support the Service Club’s mission. (Details here)

With events like these, the Service Club of Chicago continues to prove that philanthropy never goes out of style.

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