The annual Hellebore Tea to benefit Lake Wilderness Arboretum took place March 8 at Lake Wilderness Lodge.

The popular fundraiser features a homemade tea served by friends of the arboretum and a silent auction, plus hotly contested table decoration and hat contests judged by local garden expert Marianne Binetti.

This year 250 guests and sponsors raised about $8,000 for the Lake Wilderness Arboretum Foundation, which is celebrating 50 years of volunteerism.

“We would like to thank the 22 women who set and decorated 25 tables in such imaginative, beautiful and elaborate ways that just taking a walk through the Lake Wilderness Lodge was a delight,” said coordinator Maria Van Zanen. “A special thank you to CJ’s Bakery for donating a beautiful cake to celebrate our 50th anniversary.”

Thanks to Myrt Rogneby, who again donated a quilt for raffle, Scout Troop 52864 for guest service,and local merchants including QFC, Safeway, Costco, Grocery Outlet, Wilderness Village Starbucks and The Dazzled Dame.

“Many others donated time and silent auction items to make the event a success,” Van Zanen said. “On behalf of LWAF, thank you for your support.”