The 6th Annual Tea for Cancer gala will be held 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21 at the Best Western Plus.

The annual tea party is a fundraiser to benefit area families facing cancer. Since Aug. 2022, Tea for Cancer has awarded $90,000 to over 90 families in the New Ulm area.

“It started out as a backyard party with friends and grew into an event to raise money to benefit cancer patients,” event organizer Sandy Reinke.

Reinke said for years she and her friends would host backyard parties. It became common for guests to bring over extra food for the party, even though they already had plenty to go around

Susie Anderson (left), Cheri Roth (center) and Jane Domeier (right) dressed in their finest to attended one of the first Tea for Cancer events held at the New Ulm Country Club. This Sunday will 6th Annual Tea for Cancer gala will be held at the Best Western Plus. Since Aug. 2022, Tea for Cancer has awarded $90,000 to over 90 families in the New Ulm area. Submitted photo

“I told everyone, if you need to bring something, bring a donation for the New Ulm Medical Center Oncology Department,” Reinke said.

She and her husband Tim even agreed to match donations given by the guests. The 15 women attending the backyard party donated a total of $750, which did go to the oncology department.

“It felt so good to donate,” Reinke said. “We asked how we could make this even bigger next year.”

The next year in 2019, they had intended to have a tea theme. However, that same year Reinke’s mother-in-law Val Reinke died after from cancer after battling the disease for over 20 years.

“That’s when the foundation really started,” Reinke said.

Jeanne Kretsch celebrates winning the best hat award at previous Tea for Cancer gala. Submitted photo

Many of Val Reinke’s friends in New Ulm’s oncology department heard about the tea party to benefit cancer patients and wanted to take part and the Tea for Cancer gala continues to grow ever since.

Sandy Reinke said Tea for Cancer holds smaller benefits throughout the year, but the annual gala is the biggest, drawing hundreds to support the cause.

This year’s keynote speaker during the gala is 22-year-old Gabbi Rolloff, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age. She is currently in remission and will share her story with attendees.

All proceeds raised from the event directly impact the local community. Reinke said applicants for the support must be receiving medical treatment for the cancer diagnosis within Brown County, Minnesota, or the applicant must be receiving medical treatment for the cancer diagnosis that requires travel by the applicant outside of Brown County.

Tea for Cancer awards eligible recipients with between $100 and $1,000 to support them however they see fit.

Lisa Kroells toasting a wonderful afternoon during the 2022 Tea for Cancer gala. Submitted photo

“We don’t ask them what they use the money for,” Reinke said. “They can use it help with transportation, co-pay on medicine, groceries, paying utility bills, or even a fun weekend with the kids.”

The main goal is to assist families financially to allow them to focus on recovery.

Reinke said the benefit is for all types of cancer and both women and men are encouraged to attend. In addition, people are not required to wear fancy tea party attire.

“We want the people there more than worry about what they wear,” she said. “Come with what makes you comfortable.”

Reinke said Sunday’s event is nearly sold out, but there are a few openings remaining. She can be contacted at 507-380-8716 for ticket information.

For further information on donation and applications visit https://teaforcancer.org/