1. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Courtney Bolden
March 6, 2012 XO PR
courtney@xopublicrelations.com
Jack & Jill of America, Inc. Essex Hudson Chapter presents
Tea à la Mode
An Afternoon of Tea, Giving and Fashion to Benefit New Jersey Seeds, the
American Red Cross and the Jack & Jill of America, Inc. Foundation
Appearances by Angela Bassett, Mo’Nique and Regina Taylor
Sunday, April 15th 1pm - 5pm
Short Hills, NJ – March 6, 2012 – On Sunday, April 15th, the Essex Hudson Chapter of Jack & Jill
of America, Inc. will present Tea à la Mode, the ultimate tea party and fundraiser benefiting the
American Red Cross, NJ SEEDS and the Jack & Jill of America, Inc. Foundation at the Hilton Short
Hills. This elegant affair will include a bountiful silent and live auction culminating with a fashion
show by ECCOCI Limited Designs for Her. Tea à la Mode will also feature a host of celebrity
appearances including Academy Award® winner Mo’Nique and Golden Globe® winner and Academy
Award® Nominee Angela Bassett. Noted playwright and Golden Globe® winning actress, Regina
Taylor will be honored for her outstanding commitment to the community.
Tea à la Mode will show support and appreciation to organizations that have made a great impact on
the community. Throughout its history the American Red Cross has provided indispensable
humanitarian aid and disaster relief during times of crisis, and was instrumental in New Jersey's
recovery from Hurricane Irene last October. NJ SEEDS (Scholars, Educators, Excellence, Dedication,
Success) is a nonprofit organization that prepares high-achieving, low-income students for admission
to competitive secondary schools and colleges across the country. “In light of the unprecedented
disasters we have witnessed last year in the New Jersey area, we have chosen to support the efforts of
the American Red Cross,” says Essex Hudson Foundation Chairperson, Suzzanne Douglas Cobb.
“Additionally, NJ SEEDS is a powerful organization that serves our children and prepares them for
greatness, and it is the Essex Hudson Chapter’s hope that our contributions will further both causes.”
Tea à la Mode also benefits the Jack & Jill of America, Inc. Foundation. The philanthropic arm of Jack
& Jill of America, Inc. supports programs aimed at improving academic test scores, raising literacy and
mathematical competencies, encouraging cultural consciousness, and instilling moral and social
responsibility in America’s youth. Since its inception in 1968, the Jack & Jill of America, Inc.
Foundation has distributed millions of dollars to communities all across America.
Tea à la Mode attendees will have the opportunity to bid on silent and live auction items, including
lunch with two-time Emmy® winner Andre Braugher, an indoor tailgate party for six with ESPN’s

2. Chris Broussard, “Princess Tiana” Tea Party provided by Touched by You Catering, artwork from
Alonzo Adams and New York Knicks Boys and Girls basketball camp experiences.
Tickets are $80 and can be purchased in advance by visiting, www. jackandjillessexhudson.org or by
contacting press@jackandjillessexhudson.org.
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About the Jack & Jill of America, Essex-Hudson Chapter
The Essex Hudson Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. is an organization of mothers who have
joined together to provide constructive educational, cultural, civic, recreational and social programs
and activities for our children. We strive to nurture future leaders through diverse and enriching
programming, community service projects, legislative advocacy and philanthropic giving. We work
together in a team oriented manner to be supportive of each other as mothers, and of our children and
our communities.
Essex Hudson Chapter/
Jack & Jill of America, Inc Contact: Media Contact:
Katrice Little-Simon, President Courtney Bolden
Essex Hudson Chapter XO PR
Jack & Jill of America, Inc. courtney@xopublicrelations.com
president@jackandjillessexhudson.org
917.501.3376