Swannanoa Valley Museum to hold annual fundraiser with a twist

AbsenTea will celebrate culture and support local history in a virtual setting

The Valley Echo
September 23, 2020

Three years ago, the Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center brewed up an idea for an annual fundraiser. Supporters of the nonprofit, which has sought to preserve and interpret local history since its founding in 1989, would gather around tea in a historic setting in an atmosphere that celebrates culture. 

Traditionally a spring event, COVID-19 forced the museum to cancel its April 4 “Tea with a Twist,” set to take place at Rockmont Camp for Boys, one of the former homes of the experimental and pioneering Black Mountain College. While an in-person gathering would not be possible this year, “AbsenTea: A Zoom Fundraiser for the Swannanoa Valley Museum” will bring the fundraiser to a virtual platform. 

Sponsored by local tea shop Spice It Up! And the Charleston Tea Garden, AbsenTea will take place from 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 24, and feature an interview with new museum director LeAnne Johnson, a quiz on the history and uses of tea, door prizes and other activities. 

Proceeds from the event will support the museum, which has been unable to resume normal operations throughout 2020. 

Admission for the virtual event is $35 per person and $65 per couple. “Supporter tickets,” which can be used by one attendee, are available for $150 and considered a generous gift to the museum. Door prize entry is included in ticket prices. 

AbsenTea will feature competitions for Most Ridiculous Hat and Most Beautiful Tea Pot, and door prizes include a gift basket from Charleston Tea Garden and a tea cup made by a local potter, among other items. 

Tickets for the event can be purchased at swannanoavalleymuseum.org/event/absentea.