The 10th Annual Interfaith Emergency Service High Tea Raises Nearly $100,000 for Women and Children in Need

The Interfaith Emergency High Tea Fundraiser raised over $92,000 to help women and children in need.

A white teacup, tea plate and tea pot withe flower designs on them sit on a table with white tablecloth. In the teacup is a spoon and matcha tea.

352todayAmber Battillo/352Today The classically styled traditional event served to help Interfaith Emergency Services.

OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Decorative tables, aesthetically pleasing centerpieces and elegantly dressed women graced the confines of the Ocala University of Florida’s Extension Auditorium on Saturday, May 2, 2026, with the 10th Annual Interfaith Emergency Services High Tea.

The event served as a fundraiser for the IES Homeless Shelter Program helping women and children in need within the community.

The community’s altruism resonated powerfully throughout the auditorium with the announcement that nearly $92,000 had been raised that will go toward programs that will provide critical services.

“This is really the heartbeat of Marion County,” said Karla Greenway, Interfaith Emergency Services chief executive officer. “These are women from our county, and a lot of them are going through their own issues, that step up to help raise money for women that are struggling. It’s just so heartwarming to see. These people could’ve been anywhere today, especially the ladies that did the tables. They did a lot of work to make these tables so spectacular, and they did because they care. I couldn’t be more thrilled.”

Interfaith Emergency Services did express their appreciation to all of those who donated.

“This work gets hard and you wonder if anyone notices this is really affirming that people believe in us,” said Greenway.

Recharge Clinic as a whole has made the point at all four of their clinics to ask every single patient that comes in their door to donate to IES, said Cynthia Teich, Recharge Clinic CEO and founder.

“I’ve taken a lot of people from the community and a lot of my employees on tours there to just show them the why, why are we donating,” said Teich. “We believe in supporting the community. This particular cause that we’re doing right now is for women and children, so that’s something that’s very close to our heart.”

1st Place, Golden Teapot, Cynthia Teich, Recharge Clinic, $41,780.34
2nd Place, Silver Teapot, Cherie Foster, The Women of Our Savior Lutheran Church, $5,053.53
3rd Place, Crystal Teacup Award, Amy Lord, Homes to Ranches Realty, $4,150.50