Events: Elegance and style at the DYS Afternoon Tea

By Rachel McLaughlin • 7 years ago

Oct
2017

The Donegal Youth Service hosted an elegant, stylish and fun afternoon tea on Saturday 14th October.

The setting of Castle Grove Country House Hotel added to the luxury of the fundraiser that was a great excuse for friends and relatives to get together for a weekend treat.

The sold-out event was in aid of the Donegal Youth Service, supporting the organisation that works with up to 10,000 local young people across many sectors.

The glamourous hosts were two very well-known Donegal women, The S-Mum Maria Rushe, and Joanne Gallinagh of Beaus & Belles Baby Massage.

Maria Rushe and Joanne Gallinagh. DYS Afternoon Tea Fundraiser, Castle Grove Country House, 14th October 2017. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin DonegalWoman.ie

Maria and Joanne, dressed in beautiful Tokyo Boutique dresses, introduced the fashion shows and guests as ladies enjoyed delicious spreads of afternoon tea sandwiches and sweets.

DYS Afternoon Tea Fundraiser, Castle Grove Country House, 14th October 2017. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin DonegalWoman.ie

Boutique owner Clare McNickle of Clare Clothing presented a wonderful variety of chic, casual and party looks from her Autumn Winter 17 collection.

Models wore expertly styled ensembles for all ages and occasions from brands including Marc O Polo clothing, Nissa dresses and bags from Zohara and Sandwich.

Clare Clothing Fashion Show. DYS Afternoon Tea Fundraiser, Castle Grove Country House, 14th October 2017. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin DonegalWoman.ie

Just in time for party season, guests enjoyed a second fashion show from Pure Boutique. Women had plenty of inspiration for Christmas parties with the beautiful array of dress styles and flattering cuts on display.

Pure Boutique Fashion Show. DYS Afternoon Tea Fundraiser, Castle Grove Country House, 14th October 2017. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin DonegalWoman.ie

Guest speaker Alma McManus, from Clothesology gave a talk on how every woman can dress to suit her shape. She gave some fun advice for an instant confidence boost – anytime you see yourself in the mirror just look and say to yourself: ‘Fine lookin’ woman!’. This brought about great giggles but was an uplifting message many will remember.

Alma McManus – Clothesology. DYS Afternoon Tea Fundraiser, Castle Grove Country House, 14th October 2017. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin DonegalWoman.ie

A fantastic raffle was held to raise further support for DYS. Donegal Youth Service has been a vital support for many young people in the county for the past 35 years.

DYS Regional Director Lorraine Thompson outlined some of the key elements of DYS, including mental health support, education and training, youth clubs, an LGBTI group, one-to-one support and many more services which would not be possible without grants, funding and fundraising.

Lorraine also paid a special tribute to DYS Youth Outreach Worker Sheena Boyle-Laverty for organising the fantastic event.

Lorraine Thompson, Maria Rushe, Joanne Gallinagh, Sheena Boyle-Lavery. DYS Afternoon Tea Fundraiser, Castle Grove Country House, 14th October 2017. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin DonegalWoman.ie

Check out the gallery below to see the stylish attendees, fashion shows and guests at the event: