Poway Unit of Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary. Courtesy photo

DEL MAR–The Poway Unit of Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary announced it will host its 16th annual Tabletops and Tea fundraiser on May 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar.

The afternoon luncheon will provide numerous fundraising opportunities, including a silent and live auction, take a chance bags, and fund an item. 
In addition, this year’s theme, Life’s A Fiesta – A Year of Celebrations, will feature tables depicting life’s special moments. Attendees may purchase opportunity tickets for a chance to win a decorated table. Attendees will also have a chance to shop boutiques featuring local vendors who will donate 25 percent of its sales to the Unit’s fundraising efforts.

“Last year we raised more than $162,000 from the Tea. It was a highly successful event and we’re excited to bring everyone back to the Grand to help support the Heart Institute,” shared Deborah Oliver, Poway Unit Chair.

All funds raised at the event will benefit the Dickinson Family Image-Guided Intervention Center affiliated with the Heart Institute at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego. Children coming to the Dickinson Center are treated for heart problems, as well as other health challenges that require a less-invasive intervention.

Oliver continued, “The funds raised will allow medical professionals to utilize real-time 3D MRI to create a complete anatomic map that will guide interventions such as repairing holes in the heart, replacing valves, and connecting vessels. They’ll be able to repair a child’s heart without opening the chest, stopping the heart before surgery, or using a heart-lung bypass machine. This approach will be sedation and radiation free and lessen pain and trauma.”

To purchase tickets to the event, donate, or become a sponsor, visit http://www.tabletopsandtea.org

Sponsors for the event include: The Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Alaska Airlines, San Diego Padres, Stone Brewing, Innovative Industrial Properties, Higgs Fletcher & Mack, Grand Naniloa Resort, Slyline Home Loans, Kimberly Koll, Kaminski’s Sports Lounge, Cushman Foundation, Bill Howe Plumbing, Red Tracton, Morgan Run Club & Resort, Gargiulo Vineyard, Silver Trident Winery, San Diego Kitchen Pros, Dr. David Rauterkus, Taco Man and more.