By Rebecca Rider

rebecca.rider@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Rowan Partners for Education will host “A Tea in Wonderland” on May 13.

“It’s going to be a tea party for the women and girls in the community,” said organizer Christine Gould.

Gould is on the board of Rowan Partners for Education, a nonprofit group that raises money to provide grants for local teachers and schools.

While the tea was initially meant to be a mother-daughter event, Gould said she knows of many women who are not mothers but who might be mentors, friends or otherwise involved in schools.

“So we decided that we needed to change that title,” she said.

Rowan Partners for Education hosts a variety of events, but Gould said she wanted to do something specifically for women because she feels “like it’s the women on the front lines” of education who are the majority of PTA members, teachers and administrators.

“This is just something I was very passionate about,” she said.

The tea is a way to let those women know that they’re important and appreciated — and that Rowan Partners for Education is here to support them, she said.

“This is kind of saying, ‘We see you,’” Gould said.

The tea will feature a raffle and food catered by Buttercup Cafe. Elementary schoolchildren who attend will receive a copy of “Alice in Wonderland.” Older girls also will receive a gift.

Gould said she is still looking for sponsors for the tea and local businesses willing to donate raffle prizes.

The tea will be at Carson High School, 290 Kress Venture Road, China Grove, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 13. Tickets are $25 per pair and $10 per additional child. Proceeds benefit Rowan Partners for Education’s mini-grant program.

Payment will be taken at the door, but guests are encouraged to pre-register. For information or to register, contact Gould at rowanpartners4education.info@gmail.com.

Contact reporter Rebecca Rider at 704-797-4264.